Erroll Garner Albums (51)
'Erroll Garner Plays Misty'
Release Date 11/16/2004
Tracks 9
Label Fresh Sounds
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What The Critics Say
A classic. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
'Enjoys Rodgers & Porter'
Release Date 11/25/2003
Tracks 22
Label Ocium
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What The Critics Say
This first-rate Erroll Garner compilation may serve as the perfect introduction to the pianist's richly rewarding artistry. It will also delight those who are already familiar with Garner's music. The producers have selected 22 Garnered interpretations of melodies by two outstanding songwriters, Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter. These performances, originally issued on no less than ten different record labels, have been laid out in two parallel chronological surveys, one for each composer, each spanning the years 1944-1953. Every performance is exquisite. The double versions of "Lover," "Love for Sale," and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" differ enough so as to demonstrate the artist's improvisational genius while feeling almost like cinematic themes in logical recurrence. Indeed, the two versions of "What Is This Thing Called Love?," which are separated only by a sketch of "Rosalie," seem to represent organically related but contrasting states of being that are coincidentally linked by Porter's tonalities and Garner's whimsy. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like many budget compilations in the Hall of Fame label's Jazz Greats series, this LP is extremely short on details, omitting vital information about sidemen, composer credits and time frame. Side one featuring Erroll Garner combines at least three (and possibly more) studio sessions. The pianist is accompanied by bassist Red Callender and drummer Harold Doc West on the quiet ballad "Pastel" and the boppish "Trio," both of which date from a 1947 Vogue session. A trio of obscure numbers evidently come from a solo session taped later that year, including the lush "Love Is the Strangest Game," and two pieces which incorporate stride piano, the jaunty "Blues Garnie" and the equally playful "Play Piano Play." The remaining two numbers are harder to pin down. "Loose Nuts" is essentially a blues with a very humorous theme, while Garner's impression of "Frankie and Johnny" has a hilarious over-dramatic introduction before lightening up to his usual style. The side with André Previn contains a portion of Andre Previn Plays Fats Waller, a trio date recorded for Tops in 1953, with a presumed rhythm section made up of bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Shelly Manne. The choice of songs from the original LP is a bit odd, as several of them have no connection to Waller, though Previn's understated approach to "Squeeze Me" is included (though it is missing from all otherwise complete reissues of the original album). Although the Previn cuts are not quite on par with the Garner selections, this out of print compilation LP is worth picking up if found at a budget price. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It was a typical recording session for pianist Erroll Garner. With his regular trio of the period (bassist Wyatt Ruther and drummer Fats Heard) plus Candido, Garner recorded 24 songs (all first takes) on July 27, 1954. 13 of the pieces are on this 1998 CD reissue, including the earliest recorded version of his big hit "Misty." Other highlights include "I've Got the World on a String," a lengthy "7-11 Jump," "There's a Small Hotel" and "I've Got to Be a Rugcutter." Erroll Garner never recorded an uninspired solo, and this CD is as good a place as any to explore his joyful music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This fine Savoy set features Garner with both bassist Slam Stewart's group and one of his own early trios. Having arrived in New York from his hometown of Pittsburgh, Garner quickly gained recognition via a slew of 52nd Street gigs and a smattering of sessions in the mid-'40s. The four Slam Stewart sides that kick off this release come from Garner's second formal recording session during the period and spotlight his work as much as Stewart's incredible bowing technique. While not in his full glory yet, Garner still turns in impressive solos over the four tracks, especially showing bold intimations of his mature style on "Jumpin' at the Deuces." For the remaining nine cuts, he is heard on a 1949 L.A. session with bassist John Simmons and drummer Alvin Stoller. While Garner mostly shows off his rococo approach on standout ballads like "I Only Have Eyes for You," he does manage a few swingers with covers of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "Rosalie." Garner's style was certainly in place at this juncture, and even with an overabundance of the syrupy stuff, the tracks never become boring. A fine release for fans looking to check out Garner's early recordings. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This Erroll Garner record compiles portions of sessions with three different trios (John Simmons and Shadow Wilson, Wyatt Ruther and Fats Heard, or Al Hall and Specs Powell). Of course, the rhythm section rarely mattered on any Garner date, as their role was to keep time and leave the spotlight to the leader. The pianist is in his usual superb form, whether covering chestnuts from the swing era, like "How High the Moon," "Moonglow," and "The Man I Love"; jazz masterpieces such as "Sophisticated Lady"; or modern fare like "Robbins' Nest." Garner also adds three distinctive originals that suffer the same fate as all of his other works -- they are overshadowed by the runaway success of his landmark composition, "Misty." The liner notes to this release never make it clear whether this is strictly a reissue of previously released tracks on Columbia, although a handful did appear on a European release. Long out of print, this LP will require a diligent search by Garner fans. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On March 14, 1955, Erroll Garner sat down at the piano and played one interesting solo after another, resulting in two albums of music. Seven pieces (all but "That Old Feeling" are taken as ballads) were originally released as Solitaire; this CD reissue adds four additional selections that are taken at faster paces. Although not essential, this rhapsodic and occasionally wandering -- but always intriguing -- set should greatly interest fans. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
