Harry James in Hi Fi

Friday, 2. March 2007, 20:22:48

Harry James in Hi Fi
Capitol Records
W654 - Mono
July 1955

Harry James was one of the most outstanding instrumentalists of the swing era, employing a bravura playing style that made his trumpet work instantly identifiable. James wanted to make music that really swung and could be danced to all the time. He was one of the most popular bandleaders of the first half of the 1940s, and he continued to lead his band until just before his death, 40 years later.

Born into a circus family, Harry began performing with the Mighty Haag Circus at the age of 4; first he played the drums, then moved to the trumpet - his father's instrument - at eight. He was so extraordinarily skilled, that he replaced his father as leader of the band by the time he was twelve.

Moving up through bigger bands including the Benny Goodman Orchestra where he played on the now famous Carnegie Hall engagement, James decided to go solo at 23. He could play dolce and dolcissimo, and then deafeningly loud when he wanted to, with a style that made him stand out.

James discovered Frank Sinatra in 1939. He heard him sing on the radio and signed him into the band. Sinatra was a little green, but James helped him develop, and together they recorded 'From the Bottom of My Heart' and 'Melancholy Mood'.

A year later the band was in financial trouble and James released Sinatra from his contract.(Doh!) The recording of 'You Made Me Love You' changed the band's fortunes. By the end of 1941 the band was rated the best in the country.

In spring 1942 James and his band made the front page of the newspapers, when their gig at the Paramount Theatre New York caused traffic jams and riots. Adding to his media profile, James married Betty Grable, the number one pin up idol of the time, the next year.

James continued to perform until his death.

Harry James in Hi-Fi, an album of re-recordings of his hits that reached the Top Ten. (The 1999 compilation Trumpet Blues: The Best of Harry James combines tracks from this album and its follow-up, More Harry James in Hi-Fi.)

Hi Fi is a very hard to find LP, but as luck would have it, Hi Fi can be found today at the world famous Licorice Pizza.

Side A
01 - Ciribiribin
02 - Trumpet Blues
03 - You Made Love
04 - James Session
05 - I've Heard That Song Before
06 - Cherry
07 - I'm Beginning To See The Light
08 - My Silent Love

Side B
09 - Sleepy Lagoon
10 - Two O'Clock Jump
11 - I Cried For You
12 - It's Been A Long, Long Time
12 - Jalousie
14 - Velvet Moon
15 - Music Makers
16 - Ciribiribin

No Password

Hi Fi

Ray Martin - DynamicaJulie Is Her Name

Comments

Esther writes:

Hi, atov!

I have this original album (was actually my mom's) and it is awesome! My mom played it a lot when I was growing up so I grew to love Harry James' music. My copy is pretty worn, so thanks a bunch for posting this. I can now listen to the digitized version!

Thanks for all your great music!
Esther
www.stax-o-wax.blogspot.com

By anonymous user, # 3. March 2007, 22:50:50

You are welcome and your posts are awesome as well. Many great vinyls you have. LP

By Licorice Pizza, # 3. March 2007, 23:23:20

Anonymous writes:

good

By anonymous user, # 4. March 2007, 01:35:08

DonHo writes:

Wow...wow....wow....!!! Thanks for the great music you share here at your place. It's greatly appreciated. Even though I'm a musician and play sax and clarinet in big bands, I have always enjoyed hearing anything of Harry James'.

By anonymous user, # 4. March 2007, 16:10:44

freddydwight writes:

outstanding selection. very much appreciated. excellent blast from the past. tyvm.

By anonymous user, # 4. March 2007, 17:27:05

Anonymous writes:

Great Harry James, Thanks & Cheers! indy-anna

By anonymous user, # 5. March 2007, 12:07:17

Anonymous writes:

Great, great post.

I've been looking for the track "Street Scene" from More Harry James in Hi Fi - you wouldn't by any chance have it?

Thanks so much.

By anonymous user, # 7. March 2007, 06:43:55

I will search the LP hard drives and post it here if it is on hand. I am sure we don't have More HJ album but might have the single. LP

By Licorice Pizza, # 7. March 2007, 14:03:13

Mel writes:

Timbo, I'm sorry that I appeared as anonymous - this is Mel who requested Street Scene.

Thanks for searching!

By anonymous user, # 8. March 2007, 07:12:31

Aldi writes:

He's good of course, but he's no Benny Goodman! In my heart, nothing beats the Goodman-Krupa-Hampton trio of the 30's.

By anonymous user, # 26. April 2007, 17:17:03

Add in Teddy Wilson for the quartet and man they swung!

By Licorice Pizza, # 26. April 2007, 18:40:03

gil writes:

the Harry James link is dead. how can i hear the songs?

By anonymous user, # 17. June 2007, 08:48:28

Try again, the mirror was down for a while. Go get it. LP

By Licorice Pizza, # 17. June 2007, 22:21:17

gil writes:

thanks

By anonymous user, # 19. June 2007, 06:42:01

Tadjma1Hall writes:

Thanks a lot! Harry was a master trumpeter but also a master-f..... and a gambler. Did you know that his wive Betty Grable and he lost 26 Million Dollars ???

Anyway, thanks for he Lp!

By anonymous user, # 20. July 2007, 13:47:10

Tadjma1Hall writes:

P.S.: I have also "More Harry James in Hi-Fi". Shall I upload it for you?

By anonymous user, # 20. July 2007, 13:49:02

Been on vacation. Yes please, by all means. If you want to email to me I will post it for you here. LP

By Licorice Pizza, # 24. July 2007, 13:45:52

Tadjma1Hall writes:

I'm uploading it in the moment. It's ripped from an almost mint Japanese Lp-issue. After I've found a big cover in the web I will send the link to you plus the cover. It's a beautiful recording because of the big studio Capitol used for his big band recordings. The tunes sound so much better than Harry's originals for Columbia. But if you're for more "authenticity" you certainly will prefer the earlier versions.

By anonymous user, # 25. July 2007, 01:14:42

Great! atasteofvinyl@gmail.com I will post as soon as you send it. Thanks, LP

By Licorice Pizza, # 25. July 2007, 02:13:42

Tadjma1Hall writes:

Got it?

By anonymous user, # 25. July 2007, 10:50:34

alan writes:

Thanks a lot for some great music.It's very much appreciated. Greetings from England.Alan.

By anonymous user, # 24. March 2008, 11:53:17