Concert by the Sea – Erroll Garner

Artist: Erroll Garner

Year: 1955

Genre: Stride

Grade: A

Concert by the Sea is notable for pianist Erroll Garner’s all-time performance, showcasing a complete mastery of the instrument. The recording itself — performed live at Carmel-by-the-Sea, California — is somewhat poor in quality and unintentionally lo-fi. But it is Garner’s dazzling display of virtuosity that overcomes any shortcomings. While diminutive in stature, Garner’s style is impossibly large — his thunderous swells are often as vast as the ocean, of which the 6-minute rendition of “Autumn Leaves” is an instrumental benchmark.

This LP is for all lovers of music, not just piano fans. You’ll want to hear this once-in-a-lifetime performance.