This two-CD set contains 43 of the best recordings that
Ella Fitzgerald recorded during her apprentice period with
Chick Webb's Orchestra. Although only 16 years old at the time of her recording debut, she already had a strong and likable voice. She would not learn to really scat sing until the mid-'40s but, on the strength of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," by 1938
Fitzgerald was one of the most popular of all the big-band singers. This set, which only contains a few examples of the
Webb Orchestra's instrumental powers, is highlighted by "I'll Chase the Blues Away," "Sing Me a Swing Song," "You'll Have to Swing It," "Organ Grinder's Swing," "If Dreams Come True" and "You Can't Be Mine." ~ Scott Yanow