Ugly Beauty: The Month In Jazz – September 2019

A really cool set of reissues came out this month, too, from a pianist who’s revered in certain circles but whose legacy isn’t what it should be. Erroll Garner was a hugely successful pianist and composer of the standard “Misty”; his 1955 album Concert By The Sea was massive at the time, and was reissued as a three-CD set in 2015.

Hear “Paris Mist” from a New Reissue Series Celebrating the Legacy of Piano Master Erroll Garner

But “Misty” was hardly Garner’s only career milestone. In 1947, shortly after leaving his native Pittsburgh for New York, he appeared on early recordings by Charlie Parker. And his 1955 live album, Concert By The Sea, became the first jazz recording to register more than $1 million in sales. He was a virtuosic and talented performer with a lively following of fans and passionate admirers, and his style has been praised, emulated and adored by countless musicians — Geri Allen and Dick Hyman were particularly keen enthusiasts.

Hear a Taste of Erroll Garner at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, From a Deluxe New Reissue Series

This was the third release on Octave Records, which Garner had established with his manager, Martha Glaser. Originally distributed by Philips, it has never had a fully dedicated reissue.

That’s about to change, thanks to the Octave Remastered Series. A joint initiative of Mack Avenue Records and the Erroll Garner Jazz Project, it’s a batch of reissues spanning Garner’s total output on Octave: 12 albums from the 1960s and ‘70s. The first four — along with One World Concert, they include Dreamstreet, Closeup in Swing and A New Kind of Love — land on Sept. 27.

The ‘Confessions’ of Veronica Swift

The new album by self-assured 25-year-old jazz singer Veronica Swift begins with an auspicious announcement of sorts: “I may be unknown, but wait till I’ve flown,” she confides over a delicate, insinuating piano introduction. “You’re gonna hear from me.”

Premiere: The Soul Rebels Dish On ‘Real Life’ In New Video

New Orleans brass ensemble The Soul Rebels are gearing up to release a brand new full-length album, titled Poetry In Motion, on October 25. To aid in its promotional efforts, the group is premiering a second new single and its accompanying music video, directed by Leff at Vincent Lou Films.

Artist Spotlight: Veronica Swift

This rising vocalist is following the family path—while exploring her own style.