Celebrating the centenary on 15th March of Harry James (1915-1983), this Retrospective compilation of 50 classics throws renewed light on a trumpeter who belongs amongst the very greatest in all of jazz music. The survey covers every aspect of his fabulous career, from his first recording sessions as a 21-year-old with Ben Pollack's band (Spreadin' Knowledge Around already with a salvo-level solo), through to joyful examples of 'Double Dixie' from 1962 with Matty Matlock (Weather Bird Rag). And all steps in between. These include his breakthrough as a member of Benny Goodman s Orchestra (Sugar Foot Stomp), and with Teddy Wilson (Just A Mood). He formed his own orchestra in 1939, and thereafter every track has his dominant leadership stamped upon it. You Made Me Love You made him a household name in 1942, revealing the schmaltz that was an essential part of his repertoire as was the staggering virtuosity displayed in such non-jazz items as The Flight Of The Bumble Bee. Then there was a certain 1939 recording made with a young Frank Sinatra that suddenly became a smash in 1943, All Or Nothing At All. Harry, of course, always had a superior cast of vocalists, and there are prime examples here of Dick Haymes, Helen Forrest, Kitty Kallen, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney . . . and even wife No.2, Betty Grable. But, above all, Harry James was a hot jazz player par excellence, and the two discs are full of superlative examples of his artistry. Harry James Retrospective salutes you!