The shadow of your smile Garner 1972

The shadow of your smile Garner 1972

Errol Garner- The shadow of your smile - 1972
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. A brilliant virtuoso who sounded unlike anyone else, Erroll Garner on medium-tempo pieces often stated the beat with his left hand like a rhythm guitar while his right played chords slightly behind the beat, creating a memorable effect. His playful free-form introductions (which forced his sidemen to really listen), his ability to play stunning runs without once glancing at the keyboard, his grunting and the pure joy that he displayed while performing were also part of the Erroll Garner magic.
Garner, whose older brother Linton is also a fine pianist, appeared on the radio with the Kan-D-Kids at the age of ten. After working locally in Pittsburgh, he moved to New York in 1944 and worked with Slam Stewart's trio during 1944-45 before going out on his own. By 1946 Garner had his sound together and when he backed Charlie Parker on his famous "Cool Blues" session of 1947, the pianist was already an obvious giant. His unclassifiable style had an orchestral approach straight from the swing era but was open to the innovations of bop. From the early '50s Garner's accessible style became very popular and he never seemed to have an off day up until his forced retirement (due to illness) in early 1975. His composition "Misty" became a standard. Erroll Garner, who had the ability to sit at the piano without prior planning and record three albums in one day (all colorful first takes), made many records throughout his career
Personnel in this session: Erroll Garner (p), Earnest McCarty (b), James Smith (ds), Jose Mangal (conga)

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[foggy4180]

He talks with his instrument and starts a conversation with the other musicians.

Music is a real language for him; it part of himself

That's why he doesn't need to know anything about notes and music theory.

When plays he becomes music itself so there is nothing between him and the music.

That's why he is complete in the momentum of the rythym and let his inner voice take control.

You must be very humble to give yourself totally to the music like he did.

You can't understand it but only feel it.

[chattyshow]

His man really enjoyed playing. His music is always a joy to hear. When I listen to his piano playing I want to jump around. Great optimism. Above all, he was also a genius.

[plafkinfarms]

When Eroll Garner plays the piano, it is as if he is playing the rhythm of the drums with all of its syncopation; he is able to feel every beat and rhythm that the drummer would feel and anticipate. He is a joy to watch in his videos.

Roger Plafkin-Plafkin Farms, Ada, Michigan

[valvetrom]

For any wouldbe pianist and KB player just watch how high Errol sits and how his fingers hit the keys at an angle from above, try it and you will be playing so easyly. Its so sad in many schools all the the keyboards are too high, the tendons,activated by your muscles from the under arm have a heart time.

[dggd]

@foggy4180 So beautifully and truthfully stated... I love all the greats, but ERROLL is my #1. I've idolized him from a wee little girl. Nice to see his hands up close playing. Ken Burns and crew should be back-handed for leaving out Erroll in his Jazz series. Damn shame. Erroll was in a class by himself...uniquely gifted...true master with so much soul...respected and loved by other jazz musicians, and society. The most happy piano indeed. I'll always cherish his precious soul." ♥

[lottewonder]

truth, honesty,humbleness and determintation. pure joy of music NOT sneaker brands, perfumes and all the other crap so called " artists" think they have to sell to the people. not reading notes, dosent mean not to have KNOWLEDGE of music. plus : basically : spend 20.000 hours REALLY practising, thats the the economy class ticket for your trip to making real music. never think about sucscess, never envy other artitst or to just break it down : less ego mo music AND ENJOY

[mabelcwagner]

I have always liked Erroll Garner, Then, I just love piano. mcw

[laurakolb]

The master...............

[Kolef88]

@foggy4180 Just because Erroll did not read music does not mean that he did not know quite a bit about notes and music theory.

[slapmyfunkybass]

@rmakdad ... a ragtime pianist??? are you kidding me??? garner is so far from ragtime its incredible..... you cannot pigeon hole genius!

[deftroniks]

Errrr. Wayne Shorter on Conga? :0)

So great to se Errol in color too. brilliant!!

[ugnex3]

@drjazz2020 I was obviously replying to VJCZAJA...