ERROLL GARNER – 1950-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1310 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's easy to understand why Erroll Garner became so popular during the 1950s. There's nothing very challenging about him. He appears to delight in each and every melody that he can get his fingers into. There's lots going on here, but nothing that couldn't be presented in a nightclub or steak house. Most people want jazz to be interesting enough to distinguish itself, yet there is an expectation that for general consumption purposes, it had better stay in the background and serve as a "music bed" that can be talked over. On the other hand, for shutting up and listening to, this is gorgeous chamber music in its own light. There are the usual number of gentle reveries, interspersed with bounces, prances and cookers. Each three- or four- minute performance turns out nicely. "The Petite Waltz" is almost a bit too nice, it seems, until one realizes that much of Garner's approach consisted of sending conventionally accepted ideas of music right up the flagpole like a pair of long johns hoisted bravely and merrily into the air. "Petite Waltz Bounce" is the antidote, providing a textbook example of how Garner could take any piece of pop music and transform it into jazz music of remarkable merit. Hearing this session unfold, one is likely to become possessed by Garner's best, most exciting energies. "Lover" really cooks, and suddenly we're reminded that legendary be bop drummer Shadow Wilson is in the house. Bassist John Simmons is in here too, although on the previous quieter numbers it was easy to mistake this for a solo piano recital. "The Way You Look Tonight" is nice, not as immaculate as the 1949 version, but who cares. "Body and Soul" and "Honeysuckle Rose" are filled with rhythmic surprises. This is Garner at the top of his form. A highly developed theatrical sense percolates throughout Garner's original vampish compositions, represented here by "Play, Piano, Play" and "Garner in Hollywood." Be it oil, acrylic, charcoal, or gouache, this is the art of Erroll Garner. There never was nor will there ever be anyone else quite like him. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :