This is the fifth installment in the Classics Harry James chronology. It presents all the studio recordings he made with his orchestra between late January and early May of 1941, beginning with a powerful instrumental jeremiad entitled "Eli Eli." Given the rise of violent anti-Semitism in Europe throughout the 1930s and its subsequent escalation into the Second World War, James was demonstrating admirable solidarity by composing and recording this very Jewish-sounding lament for a major record label. Its title is derived from "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?," a cry of despair from the 22nd Psalm, which Jesus of Nazareth is said to have uttered while being crucified by Italians. The logical segue from this moody piece into The Flight of the Bumblebee, "The Carnival of Venice," "Trumpet Rhapsody," and Chopin Waltz in C sharp minor is a rewarding treat for listeners who enjoy a bit of European classical infusion with their big-band swing. These recordings document an important turning point in the Harry James story; thanks to an idea put forth by producer Morty Palitz, his orchestra was now augmented by a skilled and not-too-sugary string quartet, with results comparable to those achieved by the viol-enhanced ensembles of Freddy Martin and Artie Shaw. The public went for this stuff in a big way, and James was soon enjoying unprecedented commercial success. Crooner Dick Haymes turns in half a dozen sweet vocals, including a cover of Una Mae Carlisle's magnum opus "Walking by the River," but most of these Columbia and V-Disc recordings are tastefully swung instrumentals. arwulf arwulf
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