Complete Savoy Master Takes

Erroll Garner | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 6, 1998
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Savoy Jazz
• ASIN: B00000DC2K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,959 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Erroll Garner was only 23 when the earliest tracks on this two-CD collection were cut. Yet the pianist never exhibits tentativeness, regardless of the tune, the tempo, or the troupe he's working with. Dating from the winter of 1945 to the summer of 1949, these selections mark some of Garner's earliest professional efforts. You wouldn't know it by listening to his playing, however. With the exception of four tunes recorded while he was still a member of the Slam Stewart Quartet, Garner works in a trio setting here, essaying a selection of standards with a freshness that is utterly invigorating. Capable of being alternately playful or reflective (while resisting the temptation to be either coy or self-absorbed), the Pennsylvania-born virtuoso displays the breadth of his talents and tastes on back-to-back exhibitions such as the pensive yet crisp "A Cottage for Sale," followed by the jaunty, utterly delightful "This Can't Be Love." Given that the 41 tracks included here represent Garner's full Savoy output (alternate takes excepted), this collection is essential for fans of jazz piano. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB PERFORMANCE FROM YOUNG ERROLL GARNER!, March 21, 2000

By 

Amado Ponce (Granada Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Savoy Master Takes (Audio CD)

This Savoy Master Takes collection(1945-1949) represents one of the best periods in Garner's career. His "signature" was already in place at that time (You cannot say that of many jazz pianist, since it takes a lot of years when their music is clearly identified).

Most songs at that time were limited to three minutes maximum (Due to the 78 RPM recordings). Erroll demonstrated-under this time restriction- to provide outstanding improvisation ("The Man I Love") as well as swing ("Indiana", "Undecided", Stompi'n at the Savoy", just to name a few examples).

It seems to this writer that Erroll was "carrying" those melodies so smoothly that it was very delighted to listened to them-over and over.

In general, it's worth adding this Savoy set (Two discs) to your collection, regardless of the the out of tune piano in a few of the songs.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Blast from the Past, May 11, 2010

By 

Lee the reader (Port Richey, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Errol Garner: The Complete Savoy Master Takes (MP3 Download)

I bought this album because of an Amazon Jazz sampler - the song was specifically September Song, to be precise. Yes, it is quite out of tune, but after a couple of listens I realized I was being introduced to a master.

Few songs bring tears to my eyes but September Song did. The obviously dysfunctional piano in a strange way added a poignance to the melody - it reminded me of the old piano at my grandfather's house that could only be coaxed to impart a melody by those who truly loved music.

Each piece here has a special touch, and each is short enough that I go back and play them over again and over again. It's wonderful listening for a rainy afternoon. Beautiful interpretations by one of the greats. If you love older music, you won't regret spending for this.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, January 16, 2004

By 

Yakov Hadash (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Savoy Master Takes (Audio CD)

the only downfall is that the booklet does not list full sessionographical/discographical information. if someone could post that info here (or which book it would be in) I'd appreciate it...