In Person/The Hi-Fi Sounds of Harry James

Personnel: Harry James (trumpet, bongos); Helen Forrest (vocals); Allan Reuss, Tiny Timbrell (guitar); Gerald Vinci, Mischa Russell, Marshall Sasson, Kurt Dieterle, Dan Lube, Paul Shure (violin); David Sterkin, Stanley Spiegelman, Paul Robyn (viola); Cy Bernard, Roy Kramer (cello); Herb Lorden (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone); Tommy Gumina (accordion); Herbie Steward (alto saxophone); Corky Corcoran, Pat Chartrand (tenor saxophone); Bob Poland (baritone saxophone); Conrad Gozzo , Don Smith , Everett McDonald, Joe Dolny , Ralph Osborn , Art Depew, Nick Buono (trumpet); Richard Taylor "Dick" Nash , Hoyt Bohannon, Roy Main, Lew McCreary, Dave Wells (trombone); George Martimore Roberts (bass trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Bruce McDonald, Doug Parker, Larry Kinnamon (piano); Buddy Combine, Jackie Mills, Louie Bellson (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Dave Bennett .
Liner Note Author: Peter Vacher.
Recording information: Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL (10/25/1952-12/02/1955); Hollywood, CA (10/25/1952-12/02/1955).
Arranger: Juan Tizol.
First with Benny Goodman and then as leader of his own orchestra, Harry James was one of the most popular trumpeters and bandleaders of the Swing Era. Coming out of semi-retirement in the 1950s, James recorded four albums for Capitol Records: ONE NIGHT STAND, IN HI-FI, MORE HARRY JAMES IN HI-FI, and JAZZ SESSION, and the two-disc SOUNDS OF collects all four in one nicely annotated, digitally remastered package. With these albums, James both revisited his jazz roots and to varying degrees embraced a slightly more modern big band approach. Special guests include singer Helen Forrest (who sang with James in his heyday) and ace drummer Louis Bellson (who also played with Duke Ellington). There's plenty of swing, dynamics, soaring sound quality, and of course, James's golden-toned horn.