This two-CD collection of solo piano performances by
Erroll Garner comes from a single visit to a Detroit radio station studio in 1954, though none of them were commercially issued until 1992, some 15 years after
Garner's death. Though he was in town for a trio gig later that evening,
Garner was a brilliant solo artist who could nail performances on the first take, as he did with all 21 selections in this set, three of which are medleys.
Garner's omnipresent humor and effortless ability to swing make each of these selections sound fresh over a half-century later. Some of the highlights include the delightful "That Old Black Magic," the gently striding "If I Could Be with You," a lush and lyrical "Flamingo," an extended workout of "Ol' Man River," and a somewhat campy take of the bittersweet "Cottage for Sale." This is an essential collection for
Erroll Garner fans, though it is no longer in print and will get tougher to acquire with the passage of time. ~ Ken Dryden