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.
- Erroll Garner - piano
- Wyatt Ruther, John Levy Jr.,John Simmons, Al Hall, Edward Calhoun - bass
- Eugene "Fats" Heard, George de Hart, Alvin Stoller, Shadow Wilson, Specs Powell, Kelly Martin - drums
CD1 - Misty (1945-1956) [Le Chant du Monde 374 2167]:
01. Misty 2'50
02. Indiana 2'37
03. The Man I Love 2'42
04. Laura 2'49
05. How High The Moon 3'29
06. Sophisticated Lady 2'56
07. Robbin's Nest 3'22
08. Dancing Tambourine 3'55
09. Rose Room 5'07
10. Full Moon And Empty Arms 4'21
11. Some Of These Days 3'52
12. Alexander's Ragtime Band 3'42
13. Them There Eyes 4'44
14. Moonglow 5'30
15. Humoresque 5'12
16. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 5'48
17. Passin' Through 3'09
CD2 - Soliloquy (1947-1957) [Le Chant du Monde 374 2168]:
01. Erroll's Bounce 3'02
02. Fancy 4'29
03. The Music Goes 'Round And 'Round 3'35
04. Dancing In The Dark 3'44
05. It Might As We Be Spring 8'34
06. Solitaire 6'32
07. Until The Real Thing Comes Along 5'01
08. Stumbling 5'04
09. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 5'00
10. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home 6'27
11. No More Time 6'38
12. If I Had You 4'33
13. Soliloquy 6'00
CD3 - I Love Paris (1958) [Le Chant du Monde 374 2169]:
01. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart?) 3'36
02. I Love Paris 5'09
03. French Doll 5'53
04. Louise 4'13
05. Farewell To Paris 7'23
06. Left Bank Swing 5'46
07. La Vie en Rose 4'20
08. The French Touch 6'03
09. Paris Bounce 4'28
10. My Man 6'08
11. La Petite Mambo 4'39
12. The Last Time I Saw Paris 5'38
13. Moroccan Quarter 6'53
