Harry’s Choice!
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Released 1958
Recorded Hollywood, June 1958
Genre Jazz, Big Band
Label Capitol
Harry’s Choice! is a studio album by American trumpeter Harry James with The Harry James Orchestra. The album was recorded in Hollywood, California in June, 1958 and released by Capitol Records (ST 1093).
After coasting through the mid-1950s, James made a complete reevaluation of where he was heading in his musical career. Count Basie provided the impetus by making a significant comeback with his newly formed “16 Men Swinging” band, and James wanted a band with a decided Basie flavor. This album is the third of several released on Capitol Records representative of the Basie style that James adopted during this period, with some of the arrangements provided by former Basie saxophonist and arranger Ernie Wilkins, whom James hired for his own band.
Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Arranger(s) Length
1. “You’re My Thrill” Jay Gorney, Sidney Clarke J. Hill 4:03
2. “Willow Weep For Me” Ann Ronell Ernie Wilkins 3:05
3. “Blues for Sale” Ernie Wilkins, Harry James Ernie Wilkins 4:57
4. “I Want a Little Girl” Billy Moll, Murray Mencher Ernie Wilkins 3:41
5. “Moten Swing” Benny Moten, Buster Moten Ernie Wilkins 4:28
6. “(Do You Know What It Means To Miss) New Orleans” Eddie De Lange, Louis Alter J. Hill 2:49
7. “Just for Fun” Ernie Wilkins Ernie Wilkins 5:10
8. “The New Two O’Clock Jump” Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Harry James Neal Hefti 6:15
Personnel
Harry James – leader, trumpet
Willie Smith, Bob Poland, Ernie Small, Herb Lorden, Sam Firmature – saxophone
Bob Wolfe, Nick Buono, Ollie Mitchell – trumpet
Bob Edmondson, Ernie Tack, Ray Sims – trombone
Jack Perciful – piano
Dennis Budimir – guitar
Russ Phillips – bass
Jackie Mills – drums