Throughout
the glorious history of jazz, special collaborative relationships have been a
rich source of profound musical creativity. Ellington/Strayhorn, Bird &
Diz; Miles and Trane; and the list goes on. But no relationship has had a
greater impact upon both the lives and legacies of the partners more than that
of Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb. Had the innovative drummer and bandleader
not connected with Ella in 1934, his life, ravaged by the birth defects that
led to his passing at the age of 37, may have been relegated to the memories of
those who saw him - and the aficionados who preserve those special legends. Had
Ella not been rescued from the streets at 17 by Chick and his wife Sally, the
unparalleled 60 year history of vocal jazz expression at its highest level may
have never come to light.
Now,
through the peerless efforts of Mosaic Records, the full history of that most
special collaboration is available to the public for the first time with The
Complete Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald Decca Sessions (1934-1941), an 8-CD set
comprised of 187 tracks (three of which are previously unreleased in any
format). For the sake of both historical clarity and the edification of the
audience, the set includes both pre-Ella material dating back to 1929 and 59
tracks of Ella's recordings with both the full band and smaller ensembles that
remained together for two years following Chick's untimely death in 1939.
Of the
13 pre-Ella tracks, five were recorded for Brunswick and Vocalion during the
years 1929 through 1931. Their inclusion offers a glimpse of the up-and-coming
Chick Webb as he was soon to become a popular and highly regarded fixture on
the Harlem scene, in residence at the legendary Savoy Ballroom. Terribly
under-recorded and with virtually no documentation on film, Webb's dynamic
presence and magnetism shine through on these and other instrumental sides
before Ella became a regular member of the band. The set's producer Scott
Wenzel states, "Since his prominence alongside the jazz elite has been
greatly overlooked, we felt that the need to gather these gems in a new Mosaic
package was a project well worth diving into.
One of
the first truly "musical" drummers, Chick specially tuned each of his
drums religiously, and meticulously replaced the heads at the first sign of
wear. He used cowbells, woodblocks and rim shots for color and accenting.
Afflicted with spinal tuberculosis as a child that left him hunchbacked, stiff
and under five feet tall, Chick overcame his physical limitations with his
creativity, musicality, showmanship, personality and leadership. Chick provided
the glue that held his explosive ensemble together from his elevated platform
at the center of the bandstand. Unable to physically sustain extended solos,
Chick made up for it with his subtle phrasing techniques and sparkling
dynamics. The dazzling drummer whipped the Savoy's dancers into a frenzy while
totally satisfying those who just came to listen. Among the latter were future
drum legends like Big Sid Catlett, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Art Blakey.
Ella
Fitzgerald was brought to Chick's attention following her victory at the famed
Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in 1934. Soon afterwards, Chick and Sally
brought the shy 17-year-old into their home, providing stability and a loving
environment that properly nurtured and cultivated the astonishing talent
within. Her first recordings with the band in 1935 display that shyness and
naiveté, which in no way eclipsed the unique essence of her artistry. As the
recordings ensue, the listener can clearly hear the blossoming and maturing of
the extraordinary talent that bathed the world of song in its brilliance for
more than half a century to follow. Together, Ella and Chick created a duality
previously unmatched in the history of jazz. As John McDonough states in his
extensive and highly informative notes, "Never in jazz history did a major
swing band ever come to be so dominated by a single singer. But then no other
swing band ever had Ella Fitzgerald."
From a
purely historical viewpoint, this set is a must-have as it not only provides a
long overdue tribute to Chick, but also allows the listener to witness the
emergence of one of its most immortal figures in Ella. Of course, all of her
early hits are included - "Sing Me a Swing Song," "You'll Have
to Swing It (aka Mr. Paganini)," "Darktown Strutter's Ball," and
of course, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." There are also two tracks featuring
Ella with the Mills Brothers in acapella renditions of "Big Boy Blue"
and "Dedicated to You."
A
stellar array of sidemen further add to the musical joy - many of whom span the
full 12 years covered in this set (and a number of whom became respected
leaders in their own right). These include Louis Jordan, Benny Carter, Taft
Jordan, Bobby Stark, John Kirby, Hilton Jefferson, Wayman Carver, John
Trueheart, Mario Bauza, Pete Clark, Chauncey Haughton, Garvin Bushell and Edgar
Sampson (who was also the band's full-time arranger). Others like Ram Ramirez
and Eddie Barefield joined in the post-Webb years when the ensemble became
known as Ella Fitzgerald and Her Orchestra.
As
always, the pristine reputation of Mosaic Records' commitment to the highest
standards of quality and clarity has been fully sustained by producer Wenzel's
outstanding work. For the finest audio fidelity he sought out the best quality
master or physical item available. Whether that be a mint American Decca 78, a
vinyl test pressing, or an Australian Decca release with their smoother
surfaces not found in most American Deccas, Wenzel was unsurpassed in his
pursuit of excellence. The classic Mosaic booklet that always accompanies these
sets is filled with many rare photographs, exceptionally detailed notes by
McDonough and the intensely researched and detailed track-by-track session information.
The remarkable memory of arranger Van Alexander, the one surviving participant
in these sessions, helped keep this highly complex and elusive information as
accurate as possible.
For
those who were fortunate enough to have actually been present at the Savoy
Ballroom during the years these recordings were made, this set will provide
magical memories. For those of us who weren't so blessed, this is the closest
we'll ever be. Once again, Mosaic reminds us why it has no peers.
Reflecting
on Mosaic's 30th Anniversary, label founder and producer Michael Cuscuna says,
"Thirty years into the process, it is personally gratifying for me to
create sets like The Complete Muse Recordings of Woody Shaw for which I
produced the original sessions and The Complete Clifford Jordan Strata-East
Sessions (available November 12), which I helped Clifford license and release.
I had been directly involved with other sets as a producer including those of
Anthony Braxton and Henry Threadgill and each time, such projects bring back
resonating memories and renew old and deep friendships."
