Long ago, on a land far far away….
The most popular music in the land of the Jedi Knights was also the best that was available. That was before the Dark Empire (aka “rock and roll”) took over and changed the way the economy and art of music existed. This latest release from the Metronome Series of Hep Jazz Records has the world famous Harry James, bandleader, trumpeter, amateur ball player and husband of the lady with the best gams in town leading his highly popular band during the war years on a series of varied and hot radio broadcasts.
James was fortunate to not only have a pair of the strongest brass chops around, but he surrounded himself with hip arrangers that made well known pieces like “Moten Swing” and “All The Things You Are” that are so filled with ideas that even the segues have segues! Just dig the horn section work on the white knuckler “Charmaine” for a sample. String sections add a touch of class and frame both the leader and alluringly toned Helen Forrest on pieces like “You Go To My Head” and her final tune with the band “How Sweet You Are.”
It wasn’t all about Harry that you had to be wild about; tenorist Corky Corcoran, one of the most underrated sax guys around, his smoky tone hits it just right on a swinging “Jiggers.” Just as impressive are the appearances of sweet toned altoist Willie Smith and Ellington alumnus Juan Tizol/tb on a torrid “Air Mail Special” as well as an exotic “Zambu.” What’s even more impressive about this music is the fact that it was actually played OVER THE RADIO? What current music on the airwaves do you think we’ll be listening to 60+ years from now? ‘Nuff Said!!!
Hep Jazz Records