RED GARLAND — Red Alone (1960-2004) RM | Serie Original Jazz Classics | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Red Garland recorded 16 ballads during this single 1960 session for Prestige's Moodsville subsidiary. Although these selections were intended as mood music for lovers, Garland's imaginative arrangements keep things interesting. The pianist's strolling tempo of "When Your Lover Has Gone" suggests nostalgic reflection rather than melancholy from the typically slow performances by singers. His playful side comes out in "These Foolish Things," while the graceful runs in the upper keyboard are complemented by his rich block chords in "My Last Affair." The subtlety of his interpretation of "You Are Too Beautiful" and the delicate rendition of "The Nearness of You" are also memorable. But the obvious high point of this release is his stunning exploration of Duke Ellington's "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," which succeeds in conveying the powerful emotions of this ballad without a singer. This remarkable collection of standards should appeal to any fan of jazz piano. Ken Dryden   Tracklist & Credits :

THE RED GARLAND TRIO — Bright and Breezy (1961-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During 1961-1962, following a long series of recordings for Prestige, pianist Red Garland recorded four LPs for the Jazzland label. His style was unchanged from a few years earlier, and this trio set with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Charlie Persip (reissued on CD on the Original Jazz Classics label) is very much up to par. Highlights include Garland's interpretations of "I Ain't Got Nobody," "Blues in the Closet," and "Lil' Darlin'." An enjoyable straight-ahead session. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

RED GARLAND — The Nearness of You (1962-1999) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike his slightly earlier recordings for Moodsville (which feature Red Garland on unaccompanied piano solos), this strictly ballad date has Garland joined (on all but the solo "Lush Life") by bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Frank Gant. Since all eight of the standards are taken at the same medium/slow tempo, there is not much variety here, keeping the CD from being essential. But Garland's attractive and distinctive chord voicings, plus his ability to uplift melodies while swinging at a slow speed, make this project a success. Highlights include "The Nearness of You," "Where or When," and Irving Berlin's "All Alone." Particularly effective when used as background music. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

RED GARLAND QUARTET — Solar (1962-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Red Garland recorded many sessions during 1955-63 and his distinctive chord voicings and relaxed style was always worth hearing. The wild card on this quartet is Les Spann who had the unusual double of guitar and flute; his flute is a major asset on "Where Are You?" and "The Very Thought of You." Garland (along with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Frank Gant) is in fine form throughout these underplayed standards; highlights include "Sophisticated Swing," "Solar" and "This Can't Be Love." Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

RED GARLAND QUINTET — Red's Good Groove (1963-2001) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although this is a one time studio blowing session, things obviously gelled quickly for everyone as they got underway on this 1962 recording by Red Garland, which features both Blue Mitchell and Pepper Adams in prominent supporting roles. The pianist gets things off on the right foot with his relaxed blues "Red's Good Groove," while Mitchell, who had already recorded a number of dates as a leader himself, delivers a confident yet understated trumpet solo. Baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams contributed the oddly named "Excerent!" (a title which somewhat puzzled the original liner note writer Peter Drew but likely refers to the tendency of some Orientals to substitute the letter "r" for "l," long before such humor would be considered politically incorrect, it's a hard bop tune that isn't the least bit reminiscent of the Far East. The core of the date consists of several standards, concluding with a driving take of "Falling in Love with Love." Bassist Sam Jones and drummer Philly Joe Jones supply the fluid rhythm that powers the quintet throughout this very enjoyable session. Ken Dryden  Tracklist & Credits :