Cast
Frank Ténot — Presenter
Erroll Garner — Pianist
Ernest McCarthy — Double bassist
Jimmie Smith — Drummer
José Mangual — Percussionist
Program notes
Erroll Garner is an American pianist whose trajectory was felt by the entire jazz community. It was in the 50s that he became immortalized, particularly through his album Concert By The Sea, which sold over a million copies in the first three years and established his distinctive, virtuosic brand of swing music. Another massive achievement came in the form of "Misty," a piece he wrote in 1954 that has since become standard learning for all jazz singers and pianists, notably receiving much-loved covers by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan, along with countless others.
By the time of this 1973 concert in Paris, Garner was a certified legend, entering the twilight years of his life armed with lessons for each newcomer on the scene. This show begins with an interview in which he talks about being self-taught (Garner had an incredible musical memory – he once attended a concert by the Russian classical pianist Emil Gilels and was able to play almost all of it by ear upon returning home). Once the music begins, his touch and ease on the piano is clear for all to see, especially on a cover of "Something" by George Harrison and, of course, on "Misty." Another hallmark of his playing was Garner's distinct vocalizing that accompanied his playing.