Contrasts

Artist: Erroll Garner
Total time: 49:38
Label: PGD Special Markets
Availability: Sold out
Item #: 20417552

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Review

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

Read About This Recording

In the 1950s and '60s, some of the most popular jazz pianists were able to appeal to audiences way beyond the jazz fans. Oscar Peterson, George Shearing and Dave Brubeck were household names, as was Erroll Garner. Garner had a distinctive sound, melodic style and a joy in his playing that made his music quite accessible.

Erroll Garner, who rose to fame in the late 1940s, was a master at block chords, he could sound quite romantic and sentimental on ballads, and he swung up a storm on medium-tempo pieces. Quite frequently he emulated the Count Basie band with his left hand hitting chords on the beat (like a rhythm guitar) while his right played just behind the beat, creating an echo effect. His style fell between swing and bop and, even with the changes in the music business during 1950-70, he never lost his popularity nor changed his sound.

Contrasts features Garner with his trio in 1954. Highlights include the original version of his most famous composition, Misty, and playful renditions of You Are My Sunshine, Rosalie, I've Got to be a Rugcutter and Exactly Like You. The original LP program is expanded by the inclusion of two additional selections from the same session and Contrasts serves as an excellent introduction to the joyful music of Erroll Garner.

-Scott Yanow

Extended Article

Clarifying Misty

When I was sequencing this session I heard two of Erroll's distinct facets: the romantic balladeer and the hard-driving, swinging guy. So I decided to call the album Contrasts, says Garner's longtime manager, Martha Glaser.

This immediately legendary recording, which gave birth to the first Misty (yes, that Misty) is at last restored to its original state - with two bonus tracks, from the same date, that did not appear on the 1955 album LP. And with the annoying clicks finally removed, Garner's classic can now be presented in its best form.

You Are My Sunshine; I've Got the World on a String; 7-11 Jump; Part-time Blues; Rosalie; In a Mellow Tone; Don't Worry 'Bout Me; (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings; There's a Small Hotel; Misty; I've Got to Be a Rugcutter; Sweet and Lovely; Exactly Like You.

Erroll Garner, Piano; Wyatt Ruther, Bass; Eugene Fats Heard, Drums; Candido Camero, Congas.

CD Special Features

• Meticulous restoration

• High-resolution, 20-bit digital transfer

• Bonus tracks, new liner notes, photographs, original cover art and more

Tracks + Soundclips

Contrasts
	1. You Are My Sunshine	3:26
	2. I've Got the World on a String	3:58
	3. 7-11 Jump	7:16
	4. Part Time Blues	4:31
	5. Rosalie	2:35
	6. In a Mellow Tone	4:17
	7. Don't Worry 'Bout Me	5:01
	8. (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings	3:19
	9. There's a Small Hotel	3:08
	10. Misty	2:45
	11. I've Got to Be a Rug Cutter	2:19
	12. Sweet and Lovely	3:53
	13. Exactly Like You	3:10