Erroll Garner was one of the most distinctive jazz piano stylists of the post-war era, his approach transcending the emerging sub-genres of modern jazz, although his music was rooted in swing and he was a noted performer of ballads, his performances characterised by elaborate and eccentric introductions, often described as being almost orchestral in style.

He was especially effective working in a trio format, playing with a variety of combinations of bass players and drummers over the years, and this great-value 50-track collection focuses on a series of six sessions he recorded during 1949 for the Savoy, Atlantic, Portrait and 3 Deuces labels, with two different trio line-ups. One comprised John Simmons on bass and Alvin Stoller on drums, and the other featured Leonard Gaskin on bass and Charlie Smith on drums.

The repertoire primarily comprises familiar Great American Songbook classics much-loved by the jazz community, and it makes for a very satisfying body of work which captures the great virtuoso pianist in fine flowing form in a favoured metier in which at that time he clearly felt particularly comfortable. It’s an entertaining showcase for his unique piano styling.

REVIEWS

“Although only 5' 2" in stature, Garner certainly qualifies as a giant of jazz and these recordings from a particularly prolific year give 50 reasons why. The liner essay analyses his piano technique in some detail and is interesting to read with various reflections on his influences and his development. For a self-taught child prodigy who never learnt to read music, he obviously had an extraordinary ear and became one of those jazz names who cross over to recognition form the wider music loving public. A very satisfying collection which lives up to its billing, classic indeed.”  –  Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune Issue 342)

“With almost 150 minutes of music, detailed discographical information and sleeve notes that offer biographical details about all five musicians and a discussion of Garner’s playing style, this is certainly a value-for-money package”  –  Bruce Lindsay (Jazz Journal Summer 2020)

“Erroll Garner was one of the most distinctive jazz piano stylists of the post-war era, his approach transcending the emerging sub-genres of Modern Jazz. This great value 50 track, double CD collection is an entertaining showcase for his unique piano styling.”  –  Pete Lay (Just Jazz Issue 268)