Concert by the Sea [live]

Concert by the Sea was arguably the finest record pianist Erroll Garner ever made, and he made many -- a few outstanding -- good recordings. But this live recording (September 19, 1955) with his trio (Eddie Calhoun, bass; Denzil Best, drums) presented a typical Garner program; it was a mixture of originals, show biz, and pop standards delivered with his unique delivery and enthusiasm. The rhythms and brilliant use of tension and release were perfectly captured. And while for many jazz listeners, Garner's deliberate structures were too orchestrated, there was an equal spontaneity in the propulsion of these orchestrations that swung as well as anything.

 This album, Erroll Garner's first live concert to ever enter the market, was one of the pianist's most acclaimed and best selling recordings from the moment of its release. The combination between Erroll Garner's and the audience's enthusiasm certainly makes it a lively listening experience. Jazzbeat. 2008.