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{{short description|American modern jazz pianist (1923-1984)}}
{{Short description|American modern jazz pianist (1923–1984)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name =
| name =
Line 10: Line 10:
| death_date = {{death date and age|1984|4|23|1923|5|13}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1984|4|23|1923|5|13}}
| death_place = Dallas, Texas, U.S.
| death_place = Dallas, Texas, U.S.
| instrument = Piano
| instrument = [[Piano]]
| genre = [[Jazz]], [[straight-ahead jazz]], [[bebop]], [[hard bop]]
| genre = [[Jazz]], [[straight-ahead jazz]], [[bebop]], [[hard bop]]
| occupation = Musician
| occupation = Musician
| years_active = 1940s–1984
| years_active = 1940s–1984
| label = [[Prestige Records|Prestige]]
| label = [[Prestige Records|Prestige]]
| associated_acts = [[Miles Davis]]
| past_member_of = [[Miles Davis]]
}}
}}


'''William McKinley''' "'''Red'''" '''Garland Jr.''' (May 13, 1923 – April 23, 1984)<ref name="New Grove">{{cite book|last1=Dobbins|first1=Bill|title=The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, vol. 2| year= 2002| publisher=Grove's Dictionaries Inc.|location= New York| isbn=1561592846| edition=2nd|last2=Kernfeld |first2=Barry | editor=Barry Kernfeld| page= 14| chapter= Garland, Red}}</ref> was an American modern [[jazz]] pianist. Known for his work as a bandleader and during the 1950s with [[Miles Davis]], Garland helped popularize the [[block chord]] style of playing in [[jazz piano]].<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=red-garland-mn0000882950|tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Red Garland Biography |first=Scott |last=Yanow |author-link=Scott Yanow |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |work=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/redgarland |title=Red Garland Profile |first=Joel |last=Simpson |website=[[All About Jazz]] |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref>
'''William McKinley''' "'''Red'''" '''Garland Jr.''' (May 13, 1923 – April 23, 1984)<ref name="New Grove">{{cite book|last1=Dobbins|first1=Bill|title=The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, vol. 2| year= 2002| publisher=Grove's Dictionaries Inc.|location= New York| isbn=1561592846| edition=2nd|last2=Kernfeld |first2=Barry | editor=Barry Kernfeld| page= 14| chapter= Garland, Red}}</ref> was an American modern [[jazz]] pianist. Known for his work as a bandleader and during the 1950s with [[Miles Davis]], Garland helped popularize the [[block chord]] style of playing in [[jazz piano]].<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=red-garland-mn0000882950|tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Red Garland Biography |first=Scott |last=Yanow |author-link=Scott Yanow |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |work=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/redgarland |title=Red Garland Profile |first=Joel |last=Simpson |website=[[All About Jazz]] |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life and education==
William "Red" Garland was born in 1923 in [[Dallas, Texas]]. He began his musical studies on the clarinet and alto saxophone but, in 1941, switched to the piano. Less than five years later, Garland joined the trumpet player [[Hot Lips Page]], well-known in the southwest, playing with him until a tour ended in New York in March 1946. When Garland decided to stay in New York to find work, Art Blakey came across Garland playing at a small club, only to return the next night with his boss, Billy Eckstine.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QCoEAAAAMBAJ&q=red+garland++clarinet+and+alto+saxophone&pg=PA122|title=Seeing Red|date=1977-03-01|publisher=Texas Monthly|language=en}}</ref>
William "Red" Garland was born in 1923 in [[Dallas, Texas]]. He began his musical studies on the [[clarinet]] and [[alto saxophone]], having studied with saxophonist Buster "Prof" Smith, who had been an early mentor of alto saxophonist [[Charlie Parker]] in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]].


He joined the [[United States Army]] in 1941 and was stationed in [[Fort Huachuca]], [[Arizona]]. While there, Garland began to learn the piano with Army pianists John Lewis (not to be confused with [[John Lewis (pianist)|John Lewis]] of the [[Modern Jazz Quartet]]) and Lee Barnes. At this time, he was also an [[amateur boxer]], having fought [[Sugar Ray Robinson]] but losing the match.
⚫
==Later life and career==

After being [[Military discharge|discharged from the military]] in 1944, Garland played locally around Texas until 1946 when he joined the [[trumpet]] player [[Hot Lips Page]]'s band, playing with him until a tour ended in [[New York City|New York]] in March 1946. Garland decided to stay in New York and soon found work there and also in Philadelphia. While in New York, Garland was recommended to singer [[Billy Eckstine]], who hired him for several weeks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QCoEAAAAMBAJ&q=red+garland++clarinet+and+alto+saxophone&pg=PA122|title=Seeing Red|date=1977-03-01|publisher=Texas Monthly|language=en}}</ref><ref>https://aaregistry.org/story/red-garland-jazz-pianist-born/</ref><ref>https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/921</ref><ref>http://flatfivejazzdb.com/musician/red-garland/</ref>

⚫
==Musical career==


===1955–1958: the first great Miles Davis Quintet===
===1955–1958: the first great Miles Davis Quintet===
Garland became famous in 1954 when he joined the [[Miles Davis Quintet]], featuring [[John Coltrane]], [[Philly Joe Jones]], and [[Paul Chambers]]. Davis was a fan of boxing and was impressed that Garland had boxed earlier in his life. Together, the group recorded their famous [[Prestige Records|Prestige]] albums, ''[[Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet]]'' (1954), ''[[Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Workin]]'', ''[[Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Steamin']]'', ''[[Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Cookin']]'', and ''[[Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Relaxin']]''. Garland's style is prominent in these seminal recordings—evident in his distinctive chord voicings, his sophisticated accompaniment, and his musical references to [[Ahmad Jamal]]'s style. Some observers dismissed Garland as a "cocktail" pianist,<ref>{{cite news |first=Garry |last=Giddins |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1299&dat=19780403&id=7xMQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5965,218356 |title=Red Garland's Texas Cocktail |newspaper=[[The Village Voice]] |date=April 3, 1978 |page=49}}</ref> but Miles was pleased with his style, having urged Garland to absorb some of Jamal's lightness of touch and harmonics within his own approach.<ref name="Mathieson2012">{{cite book|last=Mathieson|first=Kenny|title=Giant Steps: Bebop And The Creators Of Modern Jazz, 1945-65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Azl-2jRD5B4C&pg=PT209|year=2012|publisher=Canongate Books|isbn=978-0-85786-617-2|page=209}}</ref>
Garland found success in 1955 when he joined the [[Miles Davis Quintet]], featuring [[John Coltrane]], [[Philly Joe Jones]], and [[Paul Chambers]]. Davis was a fan of boxing and was impressed that Garland had boxed earlier in his life. Together, the group recorded their famous [[Prestige Records|Prestige]] albums, ''[[Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet]]'' (1956), ''[[Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Workin]]'', ''[[Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Steamin']]'', ''[[Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Cookin']]'', and ''[[Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet|Relaxin']]''. Garland's style is prominent in these seminal recordings—evident in his distinctive chord voicings, his sophisticated accompaniment, and his musical references to [[Ahmad Jamal]]'s style. Some observers dismissed Garland as a "cocktail" pianist,<ref>{{cite news |first=Garry |last=Giddins |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1299&dat=19780403&id=7xMQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5965,218356 |title=Red Garland's Texas Cocktail |newspaper=[[The Village Voice]] |date=April 3, 1978 |page=49}}</ref> but Miles was pleased with his style, having urged Garland to absorb some of Jamal's lightness of touch and harmonics within his own approach.<ref name="Mathieson2012">{{cite book|last=Mathieson|first=Kenny|title=Giant Steps: Bebop And The Creators Of Modern Jazz, 1945-65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Azl-2jRD5B4C&pg=PT209|year=2012|publisher=Canongate Books|isbn=978-0-85786-617-2|page=209}}</ref>


Garland played on the first of Davis's many Columbia recordings, ''[['Round About Midnight]]'' (1957). Though he would continue playing with Miles, their relationship was beginning to deteriorate. By 1958, Garland and Jones had started to become more erratic in turning up for recordings and shows. He was eventually fired by Miles, but later returned to play on another jazz classic, ''[[Milestones (Miles Davis album)|Milestones]]''. Davis was displeased when Garland quoted Davis's much earlier, and by then famous, solo from "Now's The Time" in block chords during the slower take of "Straight, No Chaser". Garland walked out of one of the sessions for ''Milestones'', so that on the track "Sid's Ahead", Davis comped behind the saxophone solos.
Garland played on the first of Davis's many Columbia recordings, ''[['Round About Midnight]]'' (1957). Their relationship was already beginning to deteriorate, but he continued playing with Miles. By 1958, Garland and Jones had started to become more erratic in turning up for recordings and shows. He was eventually fired by Miles but later returned to play on another jazz classic, ''[[Milestones (Miles Davis album)|Milestones]]''. Davis was displeased when Garland quoted Davis's much earlier, and by then famous, solo from "Now's The Time" in block chords during the slower take of "Straight, No Chaser". Garland walked out of one of the sessions for ''Milestones''; on the track "Sid's Ahead", Davis comped behind the saxophone solos in his absence.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}


===1958–1984: Red Garland Trio and later life===
===1958–1984: Red Garland Trio and later life===
In 1958, Garland formed his own trio. Among the musicians the trio recorded with are [[Pepper Adams]], [[Nat Adderley]], [[Ray Barretto]], [[Kenny Burrell]], [[Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis]], [[Jimmy Heath]], [[Harold Land]], [[Philly Joe Jones]], [[Blue Mitchell]], [[Ira Sullivan]], and [[Leroy Vinnegar]]. The trio also recorded as a quintet with [[John Coltrane]] and [[Donald Byrd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Red-Garland-Quintet-Featuring-John-Coltrane-And-Donald-Byrd-Soul-Junction/release/7113742 |title=Discogs.com |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=2017-02-25}}</ref>
In 1958, Garland formed his own trio. Among the musicians the trio recorded with are [[Pepper Adams]], [[Nat Adderley]], [[Ray Barretto]], [[Kenny Burrell]], [[Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis]], [[Jimmy Heath]], [[Harold Land]], [[Philly Joe Jones]], [[Blue Mitchell]], [[Ira Sullivan]], and [[Leroy Vinnegar]]. The trio also recorded as a quintet with [[John Coltrane]] and [[Donald Byrd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Red-Garland-Quintet-Featuring-John-Coltrane-And-Donald-Byrd-Soul-Junction/release/7113742 |title=Discogs.com |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=2017-02-25}}</ref>
Altogether, Garland led 19 recording sessions while at Prestige Records and 25 sessions for Fantasy Records. He stopped playing professionally for a number of years in the 1960s when the popularity of rock music coincided with a substantial drop in the popularity of jazz.
Altogether, Garland led 19 recording sessions while at Prestige Records and 25 sessions for Fantasy Records. He stopped playing professionally for a number of years in the 1960s when the popularity of rock music coincided with a substantial drop in the popularity of jazz.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}


Garland eventually returned to his native Texas in the 1970s to care for his aged mother. He led a recording in 1977, named ''Crossings'', which reunited him with Philly Joe Jones, and he teamed up with bassist [[Ron Carter]]. His later work tended to sound more modern and less polished than his better known recordings. He continued recording until his death from a heart attack on April 23, 1984, at the age of 60.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/26/obituaries/red-garland-a-pianist-in-miles-davis-quintet.html |title=Red Garland, a Pianist in Miles Davis Quintet |first=John |last=Pareles |author-link=Jon Pareles |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=26 April 1984}}</ref>
Garland eventually returned to his native Texas in the 1970s to care for his aged mother. He led a recording in 1977, named ''Crossings'', which reunited him with Philly Joe Jones, and he teamed up with bassist [[Ron Carter]]. His later work tended to sound more modern and less polished than his better-known recordings. He continued recording until his death from a heart attack on April 23, 1984, at the age of 60.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/26/obituaries/red-garland-a-pianist-in-miles-davis-quintet.html |title=Red Garland, a Pianist in Miles Davis Quintet |first=John |last=Pareles |author-link=Jon Pareles |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=26 April 1984}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 44: Line 48:
! Label
! Label
! Year released
! Year released
! Personnel
! Personnel/Notes
|-
|-
| 1956-08
| 1956-08
Line 93: Line 97:
| 1961
| 1961
|Quintet, with [[John Coltrane]] (tenor sax), [[Donald Byrd]] (trumpet), [[George Joyner]] (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
|Quintet, with [[John Coltrane]] (tenor sax), [[Donald Byrd]] (trumpet), [[George Joyner]] (bass), Art Taylor (drums)

|-
|-
| 1957-03, <br/>1957-12, <br/>1958-02
| 1957-03, <br/>1957-12, <br/>1958-02
Line 239: Line 242:
|Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), [[Roy Brooks]] (drums)
|Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), [[Roy Brooks]] (drums)
|-
|-
| 1974-03
|<!--March -->1974
|''[[Groovin' Live]]''
|''[[Groovin' Live]]''
|Alfa Jazz
|Alfa Jazz
| 1991
| 1991
|Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert [2CD]
| [2CD] Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert
|-
|-
| 1974-03
|<!--March -->1974
|''[[Groovin' Live II]]''
|''[[Groovin' Live II]]''
|Alfa Jazz
|Alfa Jazz
Line 251: Line 254:
|Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert
|Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert
|-
|-
|1977
| 1977-05
|''[[Keystones!]]''
|''[[Keystones!]]''
|Xanadu
|Xanadu
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|Trio, with [[Leroy Vinnegar]] (bass), [[Philly Joe Jones]] (drums); in concert
|Trio, with [[Leroy Vinnegar]] (bass), [[Philly Joe Jones]] (drums); in concert
|-
|-
| 1977-05
|<!--May -->1977
|''[[Groovin' Red]]''
|''[[Groovin' Red]]''
|Keystone
|Keystone
Line 263: Line 266:
|Trio, with Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums); in concert
|Trio, with Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums); in concert
|-
|-
|1977
| 1977-12
|''[[Red Alert (Red Garland album)|Red Alert]]''
|''[[Red Alert (Red Garland album)|Red Alert]]''
|[[Galaxy Records|Galaxy]]
|[[Galaxy Records|Galaxy]]
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|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Frank Butler (musician)|Frank Butler]] (drums); one track quartet, with [[Nat Adderley]] (cornet) added; two tracks sextet, with [[Harold Land]] and [[Ira Sullivan]] (tenor sax) added; one track quartet, with Sullivan, Carter, Butler
|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Frank Butler (musician)|Frank Butler]] (drums); one track quartet, with [[Nat Adderley]] (cornet) added; two tracks sextet, with [[Harold Land]] and [[Ira Sullivan]] (tenor sax) added; one track quartet, with Sullivan, Carter, Butler
|-
|-
|1977
| 1977-12
|''[[Crossings (Red Garland album)|Crossings]]''
|''[[Crossings (Red Garland album)|Crossings]]''
|Galaxy
|Galaxy
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|Trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Philly Joe Jones]] (drums)
|Trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Philly Joe Jones]] (drums)
|-
|-
|1978
| 1978-05
|''[[Feelin' Red]]''
|''[[Feelin' Red]]''
|[[Muse Records|Muse]]
|[[Muse Records|Muse]]
Line 281: Line 284:
|Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), [[Al Foster]] (drums)
|Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), [[Al Foster]] (drums)
|-
|-
|1978
| 1978-05
|''[[I Left My Heart...]]''
|''[[I Left My Heart...]]''
|Muse
|Muse
Line 287: Line 290:
|Some tracks trio, with Chris Amberger (bass), Eddie Moore (drums); some tracks quartet, with [[Leo Wright]] (alto sax) added; in concert
|Some tracks trio, with Chris Amberger (bass), Eddie Moore (drums); some tracks quartet, with [[Leo Wright]] (alto sax) added; in concert
|-
|-
|1978
| 1978-08
|''[[Equinox (Red Garland album)|Equinox]]''
|''[[Equinox (Red Garland album)|Equinox]]''
|Galaxy
|Galaxy
Line 293: Line 296:
|Trio, with [[Richard Davis (bassist)|Richard Davis]] (bass), [[Roy Haynes]] (drums)
|Trio, with [[Richard Davis (bassist)|Richard Davis]] (bass), [[Roy Haynes]] (drums)
|-
|-
|1979
| 1979-07
|''[[Stepping Out (Red Garland album)|Stepping Out]]''
|''[[Stepping Out (Red Garland album)|Stepping Out]]''
|Galaxy
|Galaxy
Line 299: Line 302:
|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); some tracks quartet, with [[Kenny Burrell]] (guitar) added
|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); some tracks quartet, with [[Kenny Burrell]] (guitar) added
|-
|-
|1979
| 1979-07
|''[[So Long Blues]]''
|''[[So Long Blues]]''
|Galaxy
|Galaxy
Line 305: Line 308:
|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); two tracks quartet, with [[Kenny Burrell]] (guitar) added; some tracks quintet, with [[Julian Priester]] (trombone), [[George Coleman]] (tenor sax) added
|Some tracks trio, with [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); two tracks quartet, with [[Kenny Burrell]] (guitar) added; some tracks quintet, with [[Julian Priester]] (trombone), [[George Coleman]] (tenor sax) added
|-
|-
|1979
| 1979-07
|''[[Strike Up the Band (Red Garland album)|Strike Up the Band]]''
|''[[Strike Up the Band (Red Garland album)|Strike Up the Band]]''
|Galaxy
|Galaxy
Line 311: Line 314:
|One track quartet with [[Julian Priester]] (trombone), [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); one track quartet with [[George Coleman]] (tenor sax), Carter (bass), Riley (drums); three tracks quintet, with all listed
|One track quartet with [[Julian Priester]] (trombone), [[Ron Carter]] (bass), [[Ben Riley]] (drums); one track quartet with [[George Coleman]] (tenor sax), Carter (bass), Riley (drums); three tracks quintet, with all listed
|-
|-
|1982
| 1982-04
|''Misty Red''
|''Misty Red''
|[[Sony Music Entertainment]]
|[[Sony Music Entertainment]]
Line 321: Line 324:
* ''[[Rediscovered Masters]]'' (Prestige, 1977) – rec. 1958–61
* ''[[Rediscovered Masters]]'' (Prestige, 1977) – rec. 1958–61
* ''At the Prelude, Vol. 1'' (Prestige, 1994) – rec. 1959. compilation of ''Red Garland at the Prelude'' + ''Red Garland Live!''.
* ''At the Prelude, Vol. 1'' (Prestige, 1994) – rec. 1959. compilation of ''Red Garland at the Prelude'' + ''Red Garland Live!''.
* ''Blues in the Night'' (Prestige, 1997]) – rec. 1960. compilation of ''Halleloo-Y'-All'' + ''Soul Burnin'''.
* ''Blues in the Night'' (Prestige, 1997) – rec. 1960. compilation of ''Halleloo-Y'-All'' + ''Soul Burnin'''.
* ''Red's Blues'' (Prestige, 1998) – rec. 1956–62.
* ''Red's Blues'' (Prestige, 1998) – rec. 1956–62.
* ''Stretching Out'' (Prestige, 2002) – rec. 1959. compilation of ''Satin Doll'' + ''Lil' Darlin'''.
* ''Stretching Out'' (Prestige, 2002) – rec. 1959. compilation of ''Satin Doll'' + ''Lil' Darlin'''.
Line 355: Line 358:
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
'''With others'''
'''With others'''
* [[Curtis Fuller]], ''[[Curtis Fuller with Red Garland]]'' (Prestige, 1957)
* [[Curtis Fuller]], ''[[Curtis Fuller with Red Garland]]'' (Prestige, 1963) – rec. 1957
* [[Coleman Hawkins]], ''[[Coleman Hawkins with the Red Garland Trio]]'' (Swingville, 1959)
* [[Coleman Hawkins]], ''[[Coleman Hawkins with the Red Garland Trio]]'' (Swingville, 1959)
* [[Jackie McLean]], ''[[McLean's Scene]]'' (Prestige, 1956)
* [[Jackie McLean]], ''[[McLean's Scene]]'' (Prestige, 1959) – rec. 1956–57
* [[Charlie Parker]], ''Charlie Parker at Storyville'' (Blue Note, 1953)
* [[Charlie Parker]], ''Charlie Parker at Storyville'' (Blue Note, 1953)
* [[Art Pepper]], ''[[Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section]]'' (Contemporary, 1957)
* [[Art Pepper]], ''[[Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section]]'' (Contemporary, 1957)
* [[Sonny Rollins]], ''[[Tenor Madness]]'' (Prestige, 1956)
* [[Sonny Rollins]], ''[[Tenor Madness]]'' (Prestige, 1956)
* [[Phil Woods]], ''[[Sugan (album)|Sugan]]'' (Status/Prestige, 1957 [1965])
* [[Phil Woods]], ''[[Sugan (album)|Sugan]]'' (Status/Prestige, 1965) – rec. 1957
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


Line 379: Line 382:
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:American jazz pianists]]
[[Category:American jazz pianists]]
[[Category:American male pianists]]
[[Category:American male jazz pianists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Dallas]]
[[Category:Musicians from Dallas]]
[[Category:Hard bop pianists]]
[[Category:Hard bop pianists]]
Line 389: Line 392:
[[Category:Galaxy Records artists]]
[[Category:Galaxy Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century American pianists]]
[[Category:20th-century American pianists]]
[[Category:American male jazz musicians]]
[[Category:African-American pianists]]
[[Category:African-American pianists]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]

Latest revision as of 09:44, 26 September 2024

Red Garland
Garland at Keystone Korner jazz club, San Francisco, California, May 1978
Garland at Keystone Korner jazz club, San Francisco, California, May 1978
Background information
Birth nameWilliam McKinley Garland, Jr.
Born(1923-05-13)May 13, 1923
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedApril 23, 1984(1984-04-23) (aged 60)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
GenresJazz, straight-ahead jazz, bebop, hard bop
OccupationMusician
InstrumentPiano
Years active1940s–1984
LabelsPrestige
Formerly ofMiles Davis

William McKinley "Red" Garland Jr. (May 13, 1923 – April 23, 1984)[1] was an American modern jazz pianist. Known for his work as a bandleader and during the 1950s with Miles Davis, Garland helped popularize the block chord style of playing in jazz piano.[2][3]

Early life and education

[edit]

William "Red" Garland was born in 1923 in Dallas, Texas. He began his musical studies on the clarinet and alto saxophone, having studied with saxophonist Buster "Prof" Smith, who had been an early mentor of alto saxophonist Charlie Parker in Kansas City.

He joined the United States Army in 1941 and was stationed in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. While there, Garland began to learn the piano with Army pianists John Lewis (not to be confused with John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet) and Lee Barnes. At this time, he was also an amateur boxer, having fought Sugar Ray Robinson but losing the match.

After being discharged from the military in 1944, Garland played locally around Texas until 1946 when he joined the trumpet player Hot Lips Page's band, playing with him until a tour ended in New York in March 1946. Garland decided to stay in New York and soon found work there and also in Philadelphia. While in New York, Garland was recommended to singer Billy Eckstine, who hired him for several weeks.[4][5][6][7]

Musical career

[edit]

1955–1958: the first great Miles Davis Quintet

[edit]

Garland found success in 1955 when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet, featuring John Coltrane, Philly Joe Jones, and Paul Chambers. Davis was a fan of boxing and was impressed that Garland had boxed earlier in his life. Together, the group recorded their famous Prestige albums, Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet (1956), Workin, Steamin', Cookin', and Relaxin'. Garland's style is prominent in these seminal recordings—evident in his distinctive chord voicings, his sophisticated accompaniment, and his musical references to Ahmad Jamal's style. Some observers dismissed Garland as a "cocktail" pianist,[8] but Miles was pleased with his style, having urged Garland to absorb some of Jamal's lightness of touch and harmonics within his own approach.[9]

Garland played on the first of Davis's many Columbia recordings, 'Round About Midnight (1957). Their relationship was already beginning to deteriorate, but he continued playing with Miles. By 1958, Garland and Jones had started to become more erratic in turning up for recordings and shows. He was eventually fired by Miles but later returned to play on another jazz classic, Milestones. Davis was displeased when Garland quoted Davis's much earlier, and by then famous, solo from "Now's The Time" in block chords during the slower take of "Straight, No Chaser". Garland walked out of one of the sessions for Milestones; on the track "Sid's Ahead", Davis comped behind the saxophone solos in his absence.[citation needed]

1958–1984: Red Garland Trio and later life

[edit]

In 1958, Garland formed his own trio. Among the musicians the trio recorded with are Pepper Adams, Nat Adderley, Ray Barretto, Kenny Burrell, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Jimmy Heath, Harold Land, Philly Joe Jones, Blue Mitchell, Ira Sullivan, and Leroy Vinnegar. The trio also recorded as a quintet with John Coltrane and Donald Byrd.[10] Altogether, Garland led 19 recording sessions while at Prestige Records and 25 sessions for Fantasy Records. He stopped playing professionally for a number of years in the 1960s when the popularity of rock music coincided with a substantial drop in the popularity of jazz.[citation needed]

Garland eventually returned to his native Texas in the 1970s to care for his aged mother. He led a recording in 1977, named Crossings, which reunited him with Philly Joe Jones, and he teamed up with bassist Ron Carter. His later work tended to sound more modern and less polished than his better-known recordings. He continued recording until his death from a heart attack on April 23, 1984, at the age of 60.[11]

Discography

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As leader

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Recording date Title Label Year released Personnel/Notes
1956-08 A Garland of Red Prestige 1957 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1956-12,
1957-03 		Red Garland's Piano Prestige 1957 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1957-05 Red Garland Revisited! Prestige 1969 Most tracks trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums); some tracks quartet, with Kenny Burrell (guitar) added
1956-05,
1957-03,
1957-08 		The P.C. Blues Prestige 1970 Most tracks trio with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums); one track trio with Chambers (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums)
1956-12,
1957-05,
1957-08 		Groovy Prestige 1957 Trio with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1957-11 All Mornin' Long Prestige 1958 Quintet, with John Coltrane (tenor sax), Donald Byrd (trumpet), George Joyner (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1957-11 Soul Junction Prestige 1960 Quintet, with John Coltrane (tenor sax), Donald Byrd (trumpet), George Joyner (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1957-11,
1957-12 		High Pressure Prestige 1961 Quintet, with John Coltrane (tenor sax), Donald Byrd (trumpet), George Joyner (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1957-03,
1957-12,
1958-02 		Dig It! Prestige 1962 One track trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums); two tracks quintet, with John Coltrane (tenor sax), Donald Byrd (trumpet), George Joyner (bass), Taylor (drums); one track quartet, without Byrd
1958-02 It's a Blue World Prestige 1970 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1958-04 Manteca Prestige 1958 Quartet, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums), Ray Barretto (congas)
1958-06 Can't See for Lookin' Prestige 1963 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1958-08 Rojo Prestige 1961 Quartet, with George Joyner (bass), Charlie Persip (drums), Ray Barretto (congas)
1958-11 The Red Garland Trio Moodsville 1960 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1958-11 All Kinds of Weather Prestige 1959 Trio, with Paul Chambers (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1959-04 Red in Blues-ville Prestige 1959 Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Art Taylor (drums)
1959-08,
1959-10 		Satin Doll Prestige 1971 Most tracks trio with Doug Watkins (bass), Charles "Specs" Wright (drums); some tracks trio with Jimmy Rowser (bass), Taylor (drums)
1959-10 Red Garland at the Prelude Prestige 1971 Trio, with Jimmy Rowser (bass), Charles "Specs" Wright (drums); in concert
1959-10 Lil' Darlin' Status/Prestige 1965 Trio, with Jimmy Rowser (bass), Charles "Specs" Wright (drums); in concert
1959-10 Red Garland Live! New Jazz/Prestige 1965 Trio, with Jimmy Rowser (bass), Charles "Specs" Wright (drums); in concert
1959-12 The Red Garland Trio + Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis Moodsville 1960 Most tracks trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Art Taylor (drums); some tracks quartet, with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax) added
1960-04 Red Alone Moodsville 1960 Solo piano
1960-04 Alone with the Blues Moodsville 1960 Solo piano
1960-07 Halleloo-Y'-All Prestige 1964 Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Art Taylor (drums); Garland plays organ on one track
1960-07,
1961-03 		Soul Burnin' Prestige 1964 Three tracks trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Art Taylor (drums); two tracks quintet, with Oliver Nelson (tenor sax, alto sax), Richard Williams (trumpet), Peck Morrison (bass), Charlie Persip (drums)
1961-07 Bright and Breezy Jazzland 1961 Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Charlie Persip (drums)
1961-11 The Nearness of You Jazzland 1962 One track solo piano; most tracks trio, with Larry Ridley (bass), Frank Gant (drums)
1962-01 Solar Jazzland 1962 Most tracks trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Frank Gant (drums); some tracks quartet, with Les Spann (guitar, flute) added
1962-03 Red's Good Groove Jazzland 1962 Quintet, with Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Pepper Adams (baritone sax), Sam Jones (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums)
1962-10 When There Are Grey Skies Prestige 1963 Trio, with Wendell Marshall (bass), Charlie Persip (drums)
1971-05 The Quota MPS 1973 Quartet, with Jimmy Heath (tenor sax, soprano sax), Peck Morrison (bass), Lenny McBrowne (drums)
1971-05 Auf Wiedersehen MPS 1975 Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Roy Brooks (drums)
1974-03 Groovin' Live Alfa Jazz 1991 [2CD] Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert
1974-03 Groovin' Live II Alfa Jazz 1991 Trio, with James Leary (bass), Eddie Marshall (drums); in concert
1977-05 Keystones! Xanadu 1977 Trio, with Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums); in concert
1977-05 Groovin' Red Keystone 1995? Trio, with Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums); in concert
1977-12 Red Alert Galaxy 1978 Some tracks trio, with Ron Carter (bass), Frank Butler (drums); one track quartet, with Nat Adderley (cornet) added; two tracks sextet, with Harold Land and Ira Sullivan (tenor sax) added; one track quartet, with Sullivan, Carter, Butler
1977-12 Crossings Galaxy 1978 Trio, with Ron Carter (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums)
1978-05 Feelin' Red Muse 1979 Trio, with Sam Jones (bass), Al Foster (drums)
1978-05 I Left My Heart... Muse 1985 Some tracks trio, with Chris Amberger (bass), Eddie Moore (drums); some tracks quartet, with Leo Wright (alto sax) added; in concert
1978-08 Equinox Galaxy 1979 Trio, with Richard Davis (bass), Roy Haynes (drums)
1979-07 Stepping Out Galaxy 1981 Some tracks trio, with Ron Carter (bass), Ben Riley (drums); some tracks quartet, with Kenny Burrell (guitar) added
1979-07 So Long Blues Galaxy 1984 Some tracks trio, with Ron Carter (bass), Ben Riley (drums); two tracks quartet, with Kenny Burrell (guitar) added; some tracks quintet, with Julian Priester (trombone), George Coleman (tenor sax) added
1979-07 Strike Up the Band Galaxy 1982 One track quartet with Julian Priester (trombone), Ron Carter (bass), Ben Riley (drums); one track quartet with George Coleman (tenor sax), Carter (bass), Riley (drums); three tracks quintet, with all listed
1982-04 Misty Red Sony Music Entertainment 1982 Trio, with Jamil Nasser (bass), Frank Gant (drums)

Compilations

  • Rediscovered Masters (Prestige, 1977) – rec. 1958–61
  • At the Prelude, Vol. 1 (Prestige, 1994) – rec. 1959. compilation of Red Garland at the Prelude + Red Garland Live!.
  • Blues in the Night (Prestige, 1997) – rec. 1960. compilation of Halleloo-Y'-All + Soul Burnin'.
  • Red's Blues (Prestige, 1998) – rec. 1956–62.
  • Stretching Out (Prestige, 2002) – rec. 1959. compilation of Satin Doll + Lil' Darlin'.
  • The Best of the Red Garland Quintets (Prestige, 2004)
  • The Best of the Red Garland Trios (Prestige, 2004)

As sideman

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References

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  1. ^ Dobbins, Bill; Kernfeld, Barry (2002). "Garland, Red". In Barry Kernfeld (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, vol. 2 (2nd ed.). New York: Grove's Dictionaries Inc. p. 14. ISBN 1561592846.
  2. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Red Garland Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  3. ^ Simpson, Joel. "Red Garland Profile". All About Jazz. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  4. ^ Seeing Red. Texas Monthly. 1977-03-01.
  5. ^ https://aaregistry.org/story/red-garland-jazz-pianist-born/
  6. ^ https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/921
  7. ^ http://flatfivejazzdb.com/musician/red-garland/
  8. ^ Giddins, Garry (April 3, 1978). "Red Garland's Texas Cocktail". The Village Voice. p. 49.
  9. ^ Mathieson, Kenny (2012). Giant Steps: Bebop And The Creators Of Modern Jazz, 1945-65. Canongate Books. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-85786-617-2.
  10. ^ "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
  11. ^ Pareles, John (26 April 1984). "Red Garland, a Pianist in Miles Davis Quintet". The New York Times.
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