Red Garland - The Complete Recordings: 1959 - 1961 (2017)

Renowned for his unique playing style that drew influence from the likes of Ahmad Jamal and blended them with his own sense of swing and syncopation, Red Garland was one of the most influential musicians to rise to prominence during the hard bop era. Having performed and recorded extensively since his discharging from the Army in 1944, Garland's career had reached a zenith as the 1950s drew to a close. By 1959, Garland has already appeared alongside many esteemed jazz artists, including multiple albums with the likes of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, playing on such undisputed masterpieces as 'Round About Midnight (Columbia, 1957) and Soultrane (Prestige, 1958). Garland's attention by the end of the decade was equally divided between his high-profile collaborations and his own projects as band leader, which had at this point borne considerable fruit. With the new decade came one of Red Garland's most remarkable albums. Red Alone (Moodsville, 1960), was the first of a number of solo jazz albums Garland recorded throughout his career, capturing his profound technique in a new and uninhibited fashion. His use of block chords, unlike that of previously renowned users of the style George Shearing and Milt Buckner, utilised three notes with the right hand and four with the left whilst maintaining the same rhythm in both harmony and melody. This boxed set, containing over five hours of music across four discs, demonstrates the depth of Red Garland's artistry during this transition period of his career. Housed within are eight fully-remastered albums which show quite clearly the astonishing development of the pianist over such a short period, bringing in his own trademark style alongside influences from all corners. If this compilation manages one thing, it is to leave no doubt in the mind of the listener the importance of Red Garland's music to modern jazz, and the thoroughly deserved legacy he managed to build.