Customer Reviews

Spinnin the Webb

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

GRP has reissued an outstanding series of Decca recordings from the 30's and 40's, and this is one of the best. Chick Webb was to my mind the greatest drummer to have ever come along, and was even more amazing when you consider his physical problems. Injured as a child, he was left a hunchback and in constant pain, finally dying of spinal tuberculosis much too soon. Always a small man, he could drive a band as no other, as demonstrated in "Go Harlem" and "Clap Hands! Here Comes Charlie", yet he could swing the band at a slower tempo as in "Squeeze Me". How many drummers could lead a band through the tempo change in "Harlem Congo" like Webb? Horn-playing leaders would have to stop playing and conduct. You don't need me to tell you that "Liza" is superb. Unfortunately, with the early recordings on this CD, you really feel Webb rather than hear him, since the recording techniques of the late 20's, early 30's, didn't do justice to the drums. Chick Webb is most often remembered today as the one who introduced Ella Fitzgerald, but there was much more to him and his band. None of Ella on this release, just good solid jazz.

Five (5) stars and three letters describe this wonderful compilation of song...W-O-W!

Webb really rocked the Savoy Ballroom in the 1930's and this CD begins even a bit before that, 1929, the first year of his issued record- ings. "Jungle Mama" and "Dog Bottom" are both arranged magnificiently and include the wonderful Ward Pinkett trumpet and the great clarinet and sax work of Hilton Jefferson. Pinkett also does some terrific "scat" singing on "Dog Bottom."

"Heebie Jeebies" is next and features the fabulous Benny Carter and "Blues In My Heart," written by Carter, has some great--make that superior--solos and a very admirable vocal by trumpeter Louis Bacon. "Lona" is elegant and features a piano player by the name of Joe Steele. Steele's name is not a household one...but he sure could play! Classically trained, Steele could really thicke them ivories...from swing to "Rhapsody in Blue."

Two "blue" songs are in this CD--"Blue Minor" and "Blue Lou" and can be described as smooooooth as silk. If you listen closely enough, you'll here the tuba and bass work of one Mr. John Kirby.

Too, the classic "Don't Be That Way" is here and Chich Webb's brush work is truly wonderful.

There are several other "five star" tunes here, however, this review thus far should have whet your appetite sufficiently for you to click that button that says "ADD THIS TO MY CART!" JB.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Dog Bottom

2. Jungle Mama

3. Heebie Jeebies

4. Blues In My Heart (I'm Left With The)

5. Lona - (with Mario Bauza)

6. Blue Minor

7. Don't Be That Way

8. What A Shuffle

9. Blue Lou

10. Go Harlem

11. Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie

12. That Naughty Waltz

13. I Got Rhythm

14. Squeeze Me

15. Harlem Congo

16. Midnight In A Madhouse

17. Spinnin' The Webb

18. Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)

19. Who Ya Hunchin'

20. In The Groove At The Groove

Absolutely remarkable music. It will make you happy when your sad it will make you so extatic that you'll want to do extra work!