DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 675 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In addition to seven selections by the Duke Ellington Orchestra, this interesting CD has a number released by Ivie Anderson's name ("The Old Plantation") and small-group dates full of Ellington stars but led by Cootie Williams, Barney Bigard, and Johnny Hodges, plus four numbers by the Gotham Stompers (which mixes together Ellington and Chick Webb sidemen). No matter who is leading the particular group, Ellington is very much under control, often using the more spontaneous combo settings as a way of trying out new tunes. Among the more memorable selections are "Blue Reverie," "Whispering Tiger" (which is really "Tiger Rag"), "Caravan," and "Azure." Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 506 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of six CDs in the Classics label's complete reissue of Ella Fitzgerald's early recordings features the singer as a teenager with the Chick Webb Orchestra, in addition to leading two sessions that use Webb's sidemen and performing a pair of songs ("Big Boy Blue" and "Dedicated to You") with the Mills Brothers. Highlights include "I Want to Be Happy," "If Dreams Come True" and her big hit, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Although not yet the brilliant jazz singer she would become, Fitzgerald already had a highly appealing voice and the ability to swing on any song she was given. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 525 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike GRP, which has merely reissued the "best" of early Ella Fitzgerald domestically, the European Classics label has released all of the great singer's early recordings (from the 1935-41 period) on six CDs. This, the fourth volume, has her final recordings with Chick Webb's Orchestra (before the legendary drummer's premature death) and her first after she took control of his big band. Fitzgerald is best on "'Tain't What You Do" and the ballads (particularly "Don't Worry About Me," "Little White Lies," "Stairway to the Stars" and "Out of Nowhere") although she is less memorable on such uptempo novelties as "Chew-Chew-Chew Your Bubble Gum" and "I Want the Waiter with the Water." This CD is well worth acquiring along with the other entries in this definitive series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 566 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This fifth in the six-CD series by the European Classics label documents Fitzgerald's recordings during a nine-month period starting shortly after she took over the late Chick Webb's Orchestra. During this era she was much better on the ballads than on the uptempo novelties, many of which (such as "My Wubba Dolly") were not worth saving. Fortunately this CD has a good sampling of ballads (such as "My Last Goodbye," "Moon Ray," "Sugar Blues" and "Imagination") along with two rare instrumentals by her big band. The music is not essential but fans will enjoy this look at her early days. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 644 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The sixth in Classics' six-CD series that completely reissues all of Ella Fitzgerald's early recordings has her final 23 performances as the head of what was formerly the Chick Webb Orchestra. Just 22 during most of this period, she is generally in superb voice and the ballads (highlighted by "Shake Down the Stars," "Taking a Chance on Love," "The One I Love" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man") are frequently exquisite; her expertise at scatting would come a few years later. It's recommended as are all of the entries in this valuable series (which is superior to GRP's Decca program). Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1941-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 840 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics CD traces Ella Fitzgerald's recordings from the beginning of her solo career. Having finally broken up the Chick Webb ghost orchestra, Ella mostly recorded ballads during her first few years as a solo artist; her jazz and scat singing would develop much more quickly starting in 1945. On some selections she is joined by a mundane vocal group called the Four Keys, but her three collaborations with the Ink Spots (particularly "Cow Cow Boogie" and "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall") are quite delightful. Other highpoints from this release (which finds Ella at 24 to 27 years old) include "This Love of Mine," "My Heart and I Decided" and "I'm Confessin'." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :