Search - Erroll Garner :: Erroll Garner Plays Gershwin & Kern

This CD Brings Nostalgic Beauty To Your Ears

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 04/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""In its way, each tune as interpreted by Garner has its own intensity and personal interpretation. They are all gems. Each number in the collection sparkles with a luster of its own. Garner has tremendous technical facility. His hands can express any style or mode if he chooses. He has total command and complete self-identity." ~ George Wein, Liner Notes 1976 ~



George Wein perfectly said the qualities of Erroll Garner that made him one of the greatest jazz piano players of all-time. He further wrote that "Garner epitomizes all that makes jazz the great music of our age." He also described him as "the single most important piano stylist of the past 35 years."



Some of my very favorite music makers include George Gershwin and Jerome Kern. Both had endless capabilities for creating melodies of unforgettable beauty and timeless elegance. Erroll Garner's perfectly executed piano performances of these classic tunes speak of the love and dedication he had on his craft.



The Liner Notes state that "Jimmy Rowles calls Erroll Garner "Ork," which is short for orchestra and that is what Garner is to pianist Rowles - an entire orchestra all by himself." The media people described him as "the man for whom the piano was invented."



This CD "Erroll Garner Plays Gershwin & Kern" opens up with a swinging "Strike Up The Band" and followed by an all-time beautiful gem "Love Walked In." He plays it in such a splendidly enchanting way making it my top choice from this recording. Mr. Wein described it as a "masterpiece and one of the greatest passages of music that he has ever heard on a Garner recording." And I share his sentiment on this particular performance. It is absolutely charming and worthy of repeated listens! The rest of my favorites include "A Fine Romance," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Why Do I Love You?" and "Lovely To Look At." Erroll Garner envelops himself with the charms of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and couldn't help but sing it to his heart's delight and seems to be in a bubbly mood in this particular performance.



For fans of Garner, Gershwin and Kern, this is surely a great addition to your most remarkable jazz piano collection. I wholeheartedly recommend it.



"Erroll Garner is a great musical genius. He has given me some of the most memorable and moving moments of my life." ~ George Wein, Liner Notes 1976 ~

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