Search - Harry James :: Silver Collection

A big band that could rival (and perhaps surpass) Basie

R. Viehdorfer | Arvada CO | 11/28/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I've probably upset a few Basie fans, but it's true. James had a very similar feel to swing, using that same on the beat/ two beat midwestern blues feel, and was probably a better overall leader, in the sense that he knew precisely what he wanted at any time. Plus, he had a remarkable ability to choose really gifted sidemen. His rythym sections cooked - on this recording you can hear Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson - I'll let you figure out who's where. Solid recording quality throughout. Oh and, if memory serves, the vocalist is none other than Ernie Andrews, a Joe Williams-inspired singer who went on to some fame as a solo artist. I have a copy of him in a live date with James, and he and Buddy exchange fours. Remarkable. While you'd be better off, overall, to look for the original recordings that this compilation was derived from, you'd stand litte chance of finding them, so buy this and enjoy one of the best rehearsed and led big bands on the 50's - 60's.



Buy it just for "Two O'clock Jump" if you like Buddy Rich."