Harry James was. from his first band assignment with Benny Goodman, a virtuoso instrumentalist, and it was only a short time before he headed the Harry James Orchestra. That band rivaled every major jazz orchestra in the business, Benny, Artie Shaw, Charlie Barnett, Charlie Spivak, etc. Harry’s sound and technique were not only beautiful, but easily recognized in a section or in front of any orchestra. He was also a great supporter of fine musicians.