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Title: 5 STAR sound, 4 STAR performances
Review: First, I don't think there was ever a "bad" or lackluster James band. It wasn't in Harry's blood, as evidenced by numerous sideman who flatly stated at one time or another that he was the best musician they ever met, period. These recordings, originally done as Sheffield Lab Direct-to-Disc recordings (there were three, all of them absolutely superlative) show the band, as constituted in the mid-70's, blowing classic James charts, and some refreshing and unexpected current tunes (make no mistake, James had a superb ear for good music). The unexpected bonus here is just how darn good this particular edition of the James band sounds, and just how breathtaking these direct-to-disc recordings were at the time. What is really impressive is the dynamic range and sonic quality of Harry's horn throughout. With a quality sound system, he's unbelievable. Buy it just to hear a truly virtuoso trumpeter in the twilight of his time.
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