CHICK WEBB AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1938 (1990) The Classics Chronological Series – 517 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

To a large extent, the Chick Webb big band is now chiefly remembered as the launching pad for Ella Fitzgerald, but during its peak years it was one of the top swing bands. This 25-song CD from the European Classics label reissues all of the band's recordings from a three-year period that did not feature Fitzgerald as a solo singer; she does make a brief appearance on "Wake up and Live." Although there are nine vocals on this set (including three from a young Louis Jordan), the emphasis is very much on the band's instrumental talents. Such soloists as trumpeters Taft Jordan and Bobby Stark, trombonist Sandy Williams, Elmer Williams and Ted McRae on tenors, and altoist Edgar Sampson are heard from while the drummer/leader propels the ensembles. A special highlight are the four numbers by Chick Webb's Little Chicks, an unusual quintet featuring the pioneering jazz flutist Wayman Carver and clarinetist Chauncey Haughton. This CD is highly recommended to swing fans. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1     Down Home Rag 2:52
Sam M. Lewis / Wilbur Sweatman
2     Are You Here to Stay? 3:11
Kenneth Harrison / Edgar Sampson
3     Moonlight and Magnolias 2:51
Dizzy Gillespie
4     I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful) 3:03
Harry Ruskin / Henry Sullivan
5     Facts and Figures 2:33
Edgar Sampson
6     Go Harlem 2:20
James P. Johnson / Andy Razaf
7     Love Marches On 2:52
Charles Tobias
8     There's Frost on the Moon  2:49
Fred E. Ahlert / Victor Young
9     Gee But You're Swell 2:37
Charles Tobias
10     Rusty Hinge 3:06
Lew Brown
11     Wake up and Live 2:37
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
12     It's Swell of You 3:12
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
13     Clap Hands! Here Comes Charlie 2:31
Ballard MacDonald / Joseph Meyer / Billy Rose
14     That Naughty Waltz 3:01
Sol P. Levy / Edwin Stanley
15     In a Little Spanish Town 2:40
Sam M. Lewis / Mabel Wayne / Joe Young
16     I Got Rhythm 2:31
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
17     I Ain't Got Nobody 3:02
Roger Graham / Dave Peyton / Spencer Williams
18     Strictly Jive 3:17
Chick Webb & His Orchestra
19     Sweet Sue, Just You 2:44
Will J. Harris / Victor Young
20     Squeeze Me 3:10
Fats Waller / Clarence Williams
21     Harlem Congo 3:14
Harry White
22     Midnite in a Madhouse (Midnite in Harlem) 2:33
Larry Clinton
23     Azure 3:12
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
24     Spinnin' the Webb 3:04 3:04
Ella Fitzgerald / Chick Webb
25     Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away) 2:45
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Gus Kahn
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Edgar Sampson (tracks: 1 to 14), Louis Jordan (tracks: 18, 20 to 25), Pete Clark (2) (tracks: 1 to 14)
Banjo, Guitar – John Trueheart (tracks: 1 to 14)
Bass [String Bass] – Beverly Peer (tracks: 15 to 25), Bill Thomas (3) (tracks: 3 to 14), John Kirby (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Chauncey Haughton (tracks: 15 to 25)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ted McRae (tracks: 6 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)
Drums – Chick Webb
Guitar – Bobby Johnson (tracks: 18, 20 to 25)
Piano – Don Kirkpatrick (4) (tracks: 1 to 14), Tommy Fulford (tracks: 15 to 25)
Tenor Saxophone – Elmer Williams (tracks: 1 to 5)
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1 to 5), George Matthews (2) (tracks: 23 to 25), Nat Story (tracks: 6 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Sandy Williams (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)
Trumpet – Bobby Stark (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Mario Bauzá (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)