I use the comparison of pianist Erroll Garner to guitarist Wes Montgomery because they had parallel careers and styles. Both did not know how to read music, neither was a major composer, more of the “interpreter” realm, both had a natural lyrical and swing feel, and both eventually received popular approval before dying too young. For some reason, Garner is a bit more overlooked these days, but he also had a unique playing style (rooted in stride and bop) that deserves to be re-evaluated.
These two albums find Garner in the fledgling part of his career, in a trio settings with drummer Alvin Stoller or Charlie Smith and bassist John Simmons or Leonard Gaskin. The recordings start from his days with the bebop label Savoy, continue through his Atlantic period and close up on the bopping 3 Deuces. His distinctive and personal style is one of effervescent joy, and is fingers bounce on the upbeat tunes such as “All Of Me,” “This Can’t Be Love” and “Rosalie”. His signature way of opening a piece with a dramatic intro leading into a suave love tune is exemplified on numerous pieces such as “I Cover The Waterfront’, “Goodby” and “Deep Purple” while his bebop roots are exposed on “What Is This Thing Called Love” and “All The Things You Are”and his link to stride and swing is apparent on “Jitterbug Waltz”. Every song has a dash of rococo flair, with little trills and thrills on “I’m Confessin’” or “Flamingo” that throw off little accents like swirls on a Dairy Queen cone. 48 tunes reflecting 88 keys of happiness.