Just One of Those Things: Erroll Garner

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Just One of Those Things (Porter) Erroll Garner: Piano; Eddie Calhoun: Bass; Kelly Martin: Drums. BBC 1964 Please visit the Jazz Video Guy's new home: http://syncopatedjustice.com Erroll Garner was an immensely important figure in the world of jazz music, primarily due to his distinctive playing style and contributions to the genre. Garner was known for his unorthodox playing style. He played with an orchestral approach, often sounding like multiple pianists at once. His ability to play lush, intricate chords with his left hand while simultaneously crafting melodic and rhythmic improvisations with his right hand was exceptional. Mr. Garner was also a prolific composer. His most famous composition, "Misty," has become a jazz standard, covered by countless artists in various genres. This piece alone has had a lasting impact on jazz and popular music. Garner influenced not only pianists but also a broad spectrum of jazz musicians. His approach to rhythm, particularly his use of off-beat phrasing and his ability to swing, was highly influential. Remarkably, Errol Garner was largely self-taught and did not read music. This fact underscores his natural talent and intuitive understanding of jazz and piano playing. As an African American artist achieving prominence in the mid-20th century, Garner helped break down racial barriers in the music industry. He gained significant popularity and respect at a time when segregation and racial discrimination were rampant. Garner's recordings, such as the critically acclaimed concert album "Concert by the Sea," are considered classics. His ability to bring studio-like quality to live performances was unparalleled. Errol Garner's music continues to be celebrated and studied. His approach to jazz piano remains a benchmark for aspiring jazz musicians, and his recordings are cherished by jazz enthusiasts worldwide. Erroll Garner's innovation in jazz piano playing, his compositions, and his influence on both contemporaries and future generations of musicians make him an important figure in the history of jazz music.