Yesterdays 1944-1949

Personnel: Erroll Garner (piano); Red Callender, John Simmons, John Levy (bass); Harold "Doc" West, George De Paul, Nick Fatool (drums).
Recorded in New York, New York and Hollywood, California between 1944 and 1949. Includes liner notes by Peter Dempsey.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Personnel: Irving Ashby (guitar); Wardell Gray (tenor saxophone); Harold "Doc" West, Jackie Mills, Lou Singer, Nick Fatool (drums).
Liner Note Author: Peter Dempsey.
Recording information: Hollywood, CA (12/18/1944-03/29/1949); New York, NY (12/18/1944-03/29/1949).
Pianist Erroll Garner's formidable technique and exuberant approach was largely developed by the time he made his first solo recordings in 1944. YESTERDAYS begins with these sides, and follows Garner's recorded work--in both trio and solo piano formats--through 1949. Garner's penchant for blending the vigorous rhythms of swing with elements of ragtime, popular song, and advanced bop harmonies endeared him to a wide audience. His range, which spans from "old-timey" ("The Blue Room") to sentimental balladry ("For You") to impressionistic tone-poems ("Pastel"), is readily apparent with this eclectic batch of tunes.
As he would throughout his career, Garner distinguishes himself here as both a spirited composer (on his "Boogie Woogie Boogie" and "Fratonality" the influence of Fats Waller can be heard) and as an interpreter of popular show tunes. YESTERDAYS is heavy on the latter, with Garner lending his lush phrasing and keen rhythmic sense to readings of Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust," Gershwin's "Somebody Loves Me," and Fields-McHugh's "I'm in the Mood for Love." Historically speaking, the appeal of both his talent and the repertoire on these early sides make it clear that Garner's star was set to soar.