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Harry James Orchestra

Biography:

Harry James was one of the most popular instrumentalists and bandleaders of the swing era employing a bravura playing style. The popular musician died in 1983, but his great music is still around us - you just have to know where to look for it! The Harry James Orchestra makes his music live on into the next millenium! If you are longing for the greatest popular music of the 20th century, you've come to the right place. Fred Radke and the Harry James Orchestra have entertained folks of all ages, at all types of venues, including intimate private parties, weddings, conventions, cruise ships, formal concerts, and international tours. The group, along with the talented and beautiful vocalist Gina Funes, features show-tunes, standards, love songs, and music from the golden age of swing.

Fred Radke is a masterful trumpeter, big-band conductor, musical clinician and educator, recording artist, composer and arranger, and producer. Along with vocalist Gina Funes, Fred has captivated hordes of veteran big-band music fans as well as novice listeners throughout the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and across North America. Fred has also performed six tours of the Far East. In 2007 he won his third Telly Award, for Visions of Valor, recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. He also won Tellys in 2004 as music director, for the Museum of Flight’s Wings of Heroes, and in 2005 for Apollo 13. Born in Oakland, California, Fred started playing trumpet at age seven and soon joined musical organization, the Weldonians. He turned professional at the age of fifteen and performed with the Sal Carson and Dick Stewart big bands . Over the next three years, Fred led the band of a steamship line during ocean crossings of the Pacific and gained additional experience by working with Marlene Dietrich (with Burt Bacharach conducting), and Johnny Mathis. He furthered his education by attending the College of San Mateo and was featured as guest trumpet soloist and musical director of "The Lancers". Perhaps the most important musical influence in Fred's early career was that of legendary jazz trumpet player Harry James. In what can only be described as a dream come true for Fred, he joined the Harry James Orchestra as lead trumpet player and toured with his mentor. Fred cherished his time with Harry and considered it a great compliment when other musicians, including Harry himself, would remark as to the similarity of Fred's sound and musical style to that of his mentor. In early 1989, Fred was asked by the Harry James Estate and Columbia Artists to lead the Harry James Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary of Harry James, where they performed 71 concerts throughout the United States. In 1994-95, Fred led a Tribute to Harry James in a battle of the Big Bands on an International Tour. In 1998, Fred was once again the leader of the Harry James Orchestra for a coast-to-coast tour where they performed 75 concerts for Jomar and Columbia Artists.

Gina Funes' skill, experience, talent and feeling give each song an individual expression. Gina draws on many experiences to breathe her own special life into every song she sings. Singing from Puccini to Gershwin, she has drawn plaudits and rave reviews from both concert stages and night clubs throughout the world. Gina's unique blend and style has made her a hit on the opera stage (Seattle Little Opera Company, University of Washington Festival Opera Company) where she performed as the lead in "Mimi", "La Boheme", "The Magic Flute", and the "Marriage of Figaro". She has performed on the concert stage (Seattle and Portland Symphony Orchestras) and in the night clubs with such performers as Glenn Yarborough, Miriam Makeba, George Burns, Connie Stevens, Pete Barbutti, Sherri Lewis, Dennis Day, Johnnie Ray, The Modernaires, The Lancers, Rich Little, Harry James Orchestra, Mel Torme, and Tony Bennett. Gina has appeared at Seattle's Fairmont Olympic Hotel as featured singing artist with her husband, Fred Radke. She now appears as guest singing artist for the The Harry James Orchestra, providing her vocal talents at venues throughout the world. Gina records on the Lancelot record label. She has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBC, and CBS radio and television broadcasts.

Discography:

Reminiscing Harry, Volume I
Reminiscing Harry, Volume II
Reminiscing Harry, Volume III
Reminiscing Harry, Volume IV

YouTube Videos: