Red Garland – Piano
Paul Chambers – Bass
Arthur Taylor – Drums
Recorded New Jersey, May 24 and August 1957
Re-mastered 2008 in the same studio
Rudy Van Gelder made the original masters in 1957 and he was responsible for the re-mastering this year, using up-to-date technology.
The decision to re-release this album was a good one. I did not hear the original CD, so I don’t know how much the re-mastering has improved the sound, but I do know that this version is a high quality jazz performance. Probably it was one that set the standard for what was expected of a jazz trio for many years after its release, but a standard that was not frequently achieved. Red, Paul and Arthur play with consistent swing and wonderful improvisation skill. Unfortunately none of them are with us today, but they have left us a legacy of great swinging music that will last for ever.
Red Garland was in the Miles Davis band from 1955 to 1958. I enjoyed Miles in his pre-rock days, but it was Red’s solos that always stole the show for me on the albums of that era. He had the invention and the technique to bring his ideas to fruition in a way few people are able to do.
The programme here is also excellent: each tune lends itself to the trio’s style and enables not only Red but also the excellent Paul Chambers to show off their solo skills. Will You Still Be Mine? is always an exciting tune to play; it has quite a lot of changes, but they are easy to recognise. The trio romps through it.
This is timeless music. My advice is: buy it and you will not be disappointed!
Don Mather
