“ERROLL GARNER PLAYS GERSHWIN & KERN.” EmArcy...

“ERROLL GARNER PLAYS GERSHWIN & KERN.” EmArcy 826-224-1. This is the first album of unreleased Garner material since his death in 1977. Everything is in place: the intricate introductions and the polytonal humor on “Love Walked In,” the infinitesimally delayed eighth notes against that strumming left hand in “Old Man River,” the abrupt endings, the puckish, almost Monkish touches that set up a cooking “Make Believe.” Superlative support by Eddie Calhoun’s bass, Kelly Martin’s drums and, on “I Got Rhythm,” a helpful conga beat supplied by Jose Mangual. Garner was the most marvelous maverick in jazz piano history. 5 stars.