Customer Reviews

It's a Blue World

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This seems to be one of the lesser known Red Garland Trio efforts, and whether you already like Red or don't know his work yet, this recording is WELL worth getting to know. If you dig Miles and Trane, you may know Red without knowing his name, but you've probably remarked, quietly backing up the frontmen, a piano player with a distinctive touch that gives his piano an almost bell-like tone. That'd Red Garland. Red's piano is pure sugar, and very well complimented by Paul Chambers bass--often bowed so well that it begins to sound like a human voice singing. This in one of those records that'll become an old friend, taking up permanent residence in your CD player.

When Red Garland was alive - it seems that we took him for granted. One of the greatest jazz pianists of any era, his innovative block chording has become foundational to modern jazz piano. 'It's a Blue World', only 38.33 minutes in playing time, is yet another shimmering jewel in a string of tiny masterpieces by magnificent Red Garland Trio. Paul Chambers' bowing is truly special on this very special recording.

I took the advice of Harry Abraham from the liner notes of November 1970 for the original LP and played the songs in the order he recommended, starting with "Crazy Rhythm" and following that sequence. He was right!

It has bothered me over the years that some jazz "critics" have classified the piano stylings of Red Garland as "cocktail music". If you have an excellent, actually one of the best, piano trios, with the exception of the recording studio, the only venues would be the intimacy of a jazz club or an onstage appearance at a jazz concert. Certainly the fact that these musicians played with Miles Davis in what I consider his prime years is testimony in itself!

The first pianist that was a favorite of mine at an early age was Erroll Garner, in no small part because of his distinctive style. Likewise the style of Red Garland has that distinctiveness. With his trademark block chords in the left hand coupled with octaves in the right hand, he was instantly identifiable.

This set shows the versatility of these musicians, not only Garland, but bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Art Taylor as well. Listen to Paul Chambers bowing his instrument on the very fast paced "Crazy Rhythm" and "This Can't Be Love". There is certainly nothing lacking in the Art Taylor's drumming on the latter selection.

"It's a Blue World" is played at a faster tempo than I normally associate with it but seems appropriate. The remaining two numbers, "Teach Me Tonight" and "Since I Fell For You" are very relaxed. "Since I Fell For You" was a popular recording for Al Jareau as well as the theme for the TV series "Moonlighting" back in 1985(?). It's a perfect closer for the "final" late set.

If you like good piano trio, you can't go wrong with this one!

If you are a Jazz lover...this is a MUST have CD. This is Red at his Best!

"It's A Blue World" is another fine release by the Red Garland Trio. Red is joined by Paul Chambers and Art Taylor. He constantly amazes me with each release. I own every Red Garland album, so I guess my opinion my be a little biased, but I think he was one of the true masters of jazz piano. You can't go wrong with this album or any other release from Red Garland. What swinging trio! Highly recommended.