Erroll Garner's Finest Hour

Read About This Recording

Erroll Garner was always an unusual jazz musician. Throughout his career, he played in his own distinctive style, sounding to an extent like a big band on the piano and often utilizing an echo effect between his two hands on the faster material. Garner never compromised what he played, nor did he need to. His infectious and joyful style (which fell between swing and bop) was popular from the start and he was a major attraction from the 1940s to the 1970s, simply by being himself.

Erroll Garner's Finest Hour has some of the highpoints of Garner's large discography. This single disc dates from 1945-55 and includes such happy performances as his versions of Oh, Lady Be Good, Mambo Garner, Night And Day, I've Got The World On A String and his big hit, Misty. Garner, who always kept the melody in mind except during his purposely esoteric introductions to songs (which kept his bassist guessing), had a style that was both very accessible and creative. There was never another pianist like him and Finest Hour does include an hour of his best recordings.

-Scott Yanow

Extended Article

When Erroll Garner sat down to play the piano, people smiled. A brilliant artist who was also a crowd-pleasing entertainer, Garner is acknowledged as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

This collection brings together some of the highlights of Garner's ten years with the Mercury label, all of them marked by his unflagging rhythmic drive and his glorious love of melody. Included is the original version of Misty, Garner's most famous composition - which also happens to be one of the most frequently performed songs of all time.

Contents

Oh, Lady, Be Good!; I've Got the World on a String; Russian Lullaby; Misty; Part-time Blues; Don't Blame Me; Exactly Like You; Mambo Garner; All My Loves Are You; There's a Small Hotel; Night and Day; Embraceable You; In a Mellow Tone; Sweet and Lovely; Rosalie; Is You is or is You Ain't My Baby?.

Erroll Garner, Piano; Wyatt Ruther, Red Callender, Basses; Eugene Heard, Lou Singer, Drums; Candido Camero, Congas.

CD Special Features

60 minutes never sounded so good! The very best of Erroll Garner!

This collection brings together highlights of Garner's ten years with the Mercury label, all of them marked by his unflagging rhythmic drive and his glorious love of melody. Included is the original version of Misty.