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JazzWords > Harry James
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Okay, I admit I really like Harry James. It goes back to some great recordings he did with Teddy Wilson, aside from his early work with Benny Goodman.
I also had the chance to hear him in the late '70s at a bar in Eugene, Oregon, and his trumpet sound was overwhelming. Remember, he was in his mid-60s by then. Now I understand more about James and why he had the appeal he did. Here are a few insights for you.
In the past few weeks, I have listened more attentively to Harry James, and it has been a pleasure. Remember, I grew up listening to "You Made Me Love You" and "I Don't Want to Walk Without You (Baby)." These are great WWII songs, and James plays well, but they are rather schmaltzy. But here is the rest of the story.
In fairness to James, and just about every other instrumentalist, we set our perceptions early, and usually unfairly. When you listen to "You Made Me Love You" after listening to Judy Garland's version, James rendition knocks you out. Why? Because James version was a tribute to Garland, and his horn cries in emulation of Garland's voice. I didn't know that until this year, and I have been listening to Harry for more than 25 years.
So why listen to James again? If you are a trumpet player, the answer is obvious. He can play. Also, his jazz playing is underrated. His octet work in the early 1950s (when big bands were expensive to keep together) is a treat, especially some of the work with Buddy Rich on drums. Buddy is not a bad vocalist either (he was pals with Torme, you know). The James band in this period had the great alto saxist Willie Smith, Juan Tizol on valve trombone, and some great arranging.
In further fairness to James, record companies keep in print what sells, and James WWII recordings sell better than his jazz recordings from the 50s and 60s. But take heart - the Harry James recordings on Sheffield Labs from the 70s are still available, and Verve recently reissued some James work on their Jazz Masters series. This is truly James you have never heard before, including things like "Walkin'" by Richard Carpenter and some Ernie Wilkins arrangements.
Let me know what you think. If you still feel James is schmaltzy, I'll understand. But I wish I could play like him anyway.
©1998 Dave Leonnig
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