Harry James

In case you've forgotten or never knew, Harry James was a terrific leader who had some great bands. If that seems obvious to you, then you are a better listener than many of the critics who knocked James for what they decided was showy trumpet playing without much musical merit. There are many recorded examples disproving that misperception and, it turns out, several pieces of video that also demonstrate the quality of his band. The Rifftides staff is grateful to the big band authority Bill Kirchner for calling some of those clips to our attention.

One of James's excellent bands relatively late in his career had his faithful sidekick Jack Perciful on piano and riding herd on arrangements. Also in the rhythm section were drummer Buddy Rich and bassist Red Kelly, both of whom served James well in various editions of the band. The 1964 clips at the other end of the following links will attest to the band's power and musicianship and to the authority and taste of James's trumpet work. For evidence, go here

Here

Here

And, for a rare big band version of Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant" and some very hip, unshowy licks by James, go

Here

While you're at You Tube, you may wish to look around a bit in the Harry James section for other clips from a wide range of his career.