Quotes » Erroll Garner

"...Garner is the single most important piano stylist of the past 35 years.. Most every piano player who has heard Erroll Garner owes him something... Garner epitomizes all that makes jazz the great music of our age... He is a natural... His music communicates to those who know nothing of the meaning of the word jazz. His music is serious, yet joyous. He has developed an individuality of style that has blessed only the greatest exponents of music... To put it simply, Erroll Garner is a great musical genius. He has given me some of the most memorable and musical moments of my life."

─George Wein (impresario/producer)

Source: ~Erroll Garner Archives

Articles» Erroll Garner, by Scott Yanow

Erroll Garner Trio - Earl's Tune (1972)  

Erroll Garner (1921-1977, Pianist/Composer)
by critic Scott Yanow

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, on medium tempo pieces, Erroll Garner 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.

Read the full article » ~allmusic.com

Scott Yanow's official website: ~www.scottyanow.com