Erroll Garner was a jazz pianist and composer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. He was known for his unique playing style, which combined swing, bebop, and ballad styles. With a career that spanned over four decades, Garner created a vast repertoire of songs that continue to captivate audiences to this day. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Erroll Garner songs of all time. These songs showcase Garner’s incredible talent as a pianist and composer, and highlight his ability to infuse his music with emotion and energy. From the iconic “Misty” to the upbeat “Play, Piano, Play,” these songs represent some of Garner’s most beloved and influential works. We will delve into the history of each song, discussing its origins, meaning, and impact on the world of jazz. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported by the timeless music of Erroll Garner.
1. Misty
“Misty” is a timeless jazz standard composed by Erroll Garner in 1954. The song’s signature opening notes, played on the piano, immediately captivate the listener and set the mood for the rest of the piece. The melody is romantic and melancholic, with a slow and graceful pace that allows the listener to fully appreciate Garner’s incredible playing style. The song’s lyrics, written by Johnny Burke, evoke a sense of longing and love, and perfectly complement Garner’s musical composition. “Misty” has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Frank Sinatra, and remains one of the most iconic and beloved jazz standards of all time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Garner’s talent as a composer and pianist, and the song’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Whether played as a solo piano piece or accompanied by a full band, “Misty” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.
2. How High The Moon
I’m sorry, but “How High The Moon” was not originally composed or popularized by Erroll Garner. It is a classic jazz standard that was popularized by the legendary jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. However, Erroll Garner did perform his own unique interpretation of the song, showcasing his virtuosic piano skills and improvisational style. Garner’s version features intricate and inventive chord progressions, as well as his signature use of rhythmic and melodic embellishments. His playful and dynamic performance of “How High The Moon” is a testament to his mastery of the jazz piano and his ability to make any song his own.
3. Lullaby Of Birdland
“Lullaby of Birdland” is a classic jazz standard that was composed by George Shearing, but Erroll Garner also recorded his own version of the song. Garner’s interpretation of the piece is characterized by his signature use of rhythmic and melodic embellishments, as well as his virtuosic piano playing. His rendition of “Lullaby of Birdland” is playful and joyful, with a driving rhythm that adds an element of excitement to the song. Garner’s use of block chords and fast runs showcase his technical prowess on the piano, while his improvisations demonstrate his musical creativity and improvisational skills. Although the song is typically played at a slow tempo, Garner’s version injects a sense of energy and liveliness that is both unique and captivating. His performance of “Lullaby of Birdland” is a testament to his incredible talent as a jazz pianist and his ability to put his own spin on any classic piece.
4. St Louis Blues
“St. Louis Blues” is a classic blues song that was first published in 1914 by W.C. Handy. The song has since become a staple in the jazz repertoire, with countless musicians putting their own spin on the iconic melody. The song’s melody is slow and mournful, with a distinctive and haunting quality that perfectly captures the essence of the blues. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been abandoned by his lover and is left to wander the streets of St. Louis, heartbroken and alone. The song’s raw emotion and powerful storytelling have made it a beloved classic, and it has been covered by everyone from Louis Armstrong to B.B. King. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, and its status as a cornerstone of the blues and jazz traditions.
5. Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
“I’s You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” is a classic jazz and blues song that was popularized by Louis Jordan in the 1940s. Erroll Garner recorded his own unique interpretation of the song, showcasing his virtuosic piano skills and improvisational style. Garner’s version features a playful and lively rhythm that perfectly captures the song’s flirtatious lyrics. His use of block chords and intricate runs demonstrates his technical mastery of the piano, while his improvisations highlight his musical creativity and ability to make any song his own. Garner’s performance of “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” is a testament to his unique style and his ability to bring new life to classic jazz and blues standards. His playful and dynamic interpretation of the song is sure to delight fans of jazz and blues alike.
6. Part-Time Blues
“I’m Not the Man I Used to Be” is a soulful ballad with poignant lyrics about self-discovery and personal growth. The song showcases Roland Gift’s smooth and emotive vocals, backed by the band’s signature blend of pop, soul, and rock. It was released as a single from their second album “The Raw & the Cooked” in 1989, and became a top 20 hit in several countries, including the UK and the US. The song’s powerful message of introspection and transformation resonated with many listeners, making it one of the band’s most beloved tracks.
7. Yesterdays
“Yesterdays” is a classic jazz standard that was composed by Jerome Kern in 1933. Erroll Garner recorded his own version of the song, showcasing his unique style and virtuosic piano skills. Garner’s interpretation of “Yesterdays” is characterized by his signature use of rhythmic and melodic embellishments, as well as his ability to create dynamic and engaging performances. His rendition of the song features a playful and lively rhythm that perfectly captures the wistful and nostalgic mood of the piece. Garner’s use of intricate runs and improvisations demonstrates his technical prowess on the piano, while his musical creativity brings a fresh perspective to the classic standard. His performance of “Yesterdays” is a testament to his incredible talent as a jazz pianist and his ability to make any song his own.
8. Oh Lady Be Good
“Oh, Lady Be Good!” is a classic jazz standard that was composed by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924. Erroll Garner recorded his own version of the song, showcasing his unique style and virtuosic piano skills. Garner’s interpretation of “Oh, Lady Be Good!” features his signature use of block chords and melodic embellishments, creating a playful and lively rhythm that perfectly captures the upbeat mood of the piece. His improvisations are both intricate and engaging, demonstrating his technical mastery of the piano and his ability to create dynamic and exciting performances. Garner’s version of the song is a testament to his incredible talent as a jazz pianist and his ability to bring new life to classic jazz standards. His performance of “Oh, Lady Be Good!” is sure to delight jazz fans and demonstrate why Garner is considered one of the greats of the genre.
9. Fandango
“Fandango” is a jazz instrumental piece composed by Erroll Garner himself. The piece features Garner’s signature style of playful rhythms and intricate melodies, showcasing his virtuosic piano skills and musical creativity. The upbeat tempo and lively energy of “Fandango” make it a crowd-pleaser, with Garner’s use of block chords and improvisations creating a dynamic and engaging performance. Garner’s technical prowess is on full display in “Fandango”, with his intricate runs and unique phrasing highlighting his musical mastery. The piece is a testament to Garner’s ability to bring his own unique flair to jazz music, creating compositions that are both accessible and innovative. “Fandango” is a must-listen for fans of jazz piano and showcases why Erroll Garner is still considered one of the greats of the genre.
10. I Got The World On A String
“I Got the World on a String” is a classic jazz standard composed by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1932. Erroll Garner recorded his own interpretation of the song, showcasing his signature style and unique approach to jazz piano. Garner’s version of “I Got the World on a String” features a lively and upbeat rhythm, with his use of block chords and improvisational runs creating a dynamic and engaging performance. His intricate phrasing and musical creativity bring a fresh perspective to the classic standard, demonstrating his technical mastery of the piano and his ability to create exciting and innovative jazz music. Garner’s performance of “I Got the World on a String” is a testament to his incredible talent as a jazz pianist and his ability to make any song his own. His unique interpretation of the classic standard is sure to delight jazz fans and demonstrate why Garner remains a beloved figure in the genre.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
