Hank Garland – The Unforgettable Guitar Of Hank Garland

Label:

Columbia Special Products – CSY 8713

Series:

Omnibus Series

Format:

Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo

Country:

US

Released:

Genre:

Jazz

Hank Garland was a country guitarist in high demand for recording sessions during the 1950s, though he eventually decided to expand into jazz as well. This Columbia LP, recorded circa 1959 and initially released under the title Subtle Swing by Sesac, was reissued with two tracks evidently recorded during the making of Jazz Winds for Columbia in 1961. The supporting cast includes the talented young vibraphonist Gary Burton, along with veteran Nashville session players. The music is mellow, comparable to typical jazz recordings by the George Shearing Quintet of the era, though obviously with more emphasis on the guitar. The songs selected, for the most part, aren't exactly jazz standards, so the album ends up sounding a bit more conservative than it might have had Garland chosen different material, though his swinging take of "Pop Goes the Weasel" is a surprise. Burton's blues "Call D. Law" also proves effective. In any case, Hank Garland's playing is excellent throughout this long out of print LP, though his later recordings eclipse this initial excursion into jazz.

Tracklist

A1

(Tell Me) What Am I To Do?

A2

Not For Me

A3

You're Here Again

A4

Just For Tonight

A5

Pop Goes The Weasel

A6

Call D. Law

B1

It's Love, Of Course

B2

Unless You're In Love

B3

Close Your Eyes

B4

Rainy Afternoon

B5

Why Not?

B6

Three-Four, The Blues