Many famous drummers paid tribute, both verbally and in their playing, to Chick Webb (born February 1909, dead from tuberculosis June 1939) who led the house band at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom for much of his adult life. But the ultimate tribute is this set which, despite its subtitle, actually begins in 1929-31 with five tracks predating the Decca label (but not the few Columbia sessions). Though Webb was often felt rather than heard, when he does step out the remastering does him proud. Most Depression-era bands had very stable personnel, changing only slightly over the years, and Webb's reputation is backed up by the cohesion of ‘Don't Be That Way’, ‘Blue Lou’ (both written by band member Edgar Sampson) and ‘Harlem Congo’ (by contributor Charlie Dixon). These instrumentals, however, are very much in the minority, since the band's popularity outside Harlem relied briefly on Louis Jordan and then overwhelmingly on Ella, who joined before turning 18 and then at 22 became the band's official frontperson on Webb's death. Her potential shines through on ‘Sing Me A Swing Song’ and ‘You'll Have To Swing It’, before being briefly sidetracked by the mega-hit ‘A-Tisket A-Tasket’ and its follow-ups. Despite some less than top-notch material, though, the performances carry the day and should be better known.