Erroll Garner

DIGIPACK EDITION

This great surprise is the first new studio album in nearly 25 years from one of the most distinctive of all pianists. Erroll Garner proved that it was possible to be a sophisticated player without knowing how to read music, that a creative jazz musician can be very popular without watering down his music and that it is possible to remain an enthusiastic player without changing one's style once it is formed.

What makes this album different is that its tracks have never been heard before. 14 songs featuring six original compositions like a sparkling ballad, “Back to You,” a slinky boogaloo of sorts titled “High Wire or “Wild Music” a favourite during his club dates in the late 1960 and early 70’s. There are also new versions of staples like “Misty,” Garner’s signature ballad and “(I’m) Confessin’ (That I Love You)”.

Garner had the ability to sit at the piano without prior planning and record material for three albums in one day with all colorful first takes. “Ready Take One” has been named, fittingly, after a cue often spoken from the recording booth by Martha Glaser, who served as his manager, producer, protector and business partner.

Garner is firing off some of the most memorable performances of his career. For the first time, listeners are given a glimpse behind the studio doors, with rare insightful conversational tidbits between Garner and the group included between many of the songs. Glaser, known for her progressive guidance of Garner's artistic and commercial interests, is heard here in producer mode, slating takes and joking with Garner over the control room talk-back mic.

A thoroughly enjoyable album with a superb sound and, easily, highly recommended.


TRACKLIST & PERSONNEL:

01. HIGH WIRE
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ernest McCarter Jr. (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
New York, December 2, 1971

02. I WANT TO BE HAPPY
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ernest McCarter Jr. (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
New York, June 22, 1971

03. I'M CONFESSIN' (THAT I LOVE YOU)
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ike Isaacs (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, November 28, 1967.

04. SUNNY
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ike Isaacs (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, ovember 28, 1967.

05. WILD MUSIC
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ernest McCarter Jr. (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
New York, December 2, 1971

06. CARAVAN
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ernest McCarter Jr. (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
New York, December 2, 1971

07. BACK TO YOU
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ike Isaacs (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, November 29, 1967.

08. NIGHT AND DAY
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ike Isaacs (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, ovember 29, 1967.

09. CHASE ME
Erroll Garner (p) / Joe Cocuzzo (d) / George Duvivier (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, ovember 28, 1967.

10. SATIN DOLL
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ike Isaacs (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
Chicago, November 28, 1967.

11. LATIN DIGS
Erroll Garner (p) / Jimmie Smith (d) / Ernest McCarter Jr. (b) / Jose Magual (perc)
New York, April 27, 1971