Erroll Louis Garner was born on 15th June 1921 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began playing the piano at the age of three. At the age of seven he began appearing on radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh with a group called the Candy Kids. By the age of eleven he was playing on the Allegheny riverboats. At the age of fourteen in 1937 he joined local saxophonist Leroy Brown.
He played locally in the shadow of his older pianist brother, Linton Garner, and moved to New York in 1944. He briefly worked with the bassist Slam Stewart, and though not a bebop musician, in 1947 he played with Charlie Parker on the famous "Cool Blues" session. Although his admission to the Pittsburgh music union was initially refused because of his inability to read music, they eventually relented in 1956 and made him an honorary member. Garner is credited with having a superb memory for music; after attending a concert by the Russian pianist Emil Gilels, Garner returned to his apartment and was able to play a large portion of the performed music.
His 1955 recording Concert by the Sea ranks among his very best work. Ironically this recording of a performance at an army base in Carmel, California, featuring Eddie Calhoun on bass and Denzil Best on drums, was made using relatively primitive sound equipment, but Garner's inventiveness and swing made its point in each tune. Other notable works include 1951's Long Ago and Far Away and 1974's Magician, both of which see Erroll perform a number of classic standards in his own style. Often the trio was expanded to add Latin percussion, usually a conga, with electric results.
What made Erroll easy to recognise were his trademark introductions, that seemed to make no sense but broke dramatically into his exposition of the tune he was to play, and the guitar strumming sound of his left hand, playing crotchet accompaniment to his rich-sounding right hand. This approach suggests that he was influenced by the iconic rhythm guitar work of Count Basie's long time guitarist, Freddie Green. But discerning listeners could find that while his even-four left hand was a fixture, it was far from being the only rhythmic approach he took to playing.
The Man I Love
Erroll Garner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Simply because you're near me.
Funny, but when you're near me
I'm in the mood for love.
Heaven is in your eyes
Bright as the stars we're under
Oh! Is it any wonder
Why stop to think of whether
This little dream might fade?
We've put our hearts together
Now we are one, I'm not afraid!
If there's a cloud above
If it should rain we'll let it
But for tonight, forget it!
I'm in the mood for love
Erroll Garner's song I'm in the Mood for Love is a timeless classic. The lyrics revolve around a person's feelings of love when they are near the object of their affection. The persona in the song is pleasantly surprised by the way they feel when their significant other is close to them. They find it funny that every time they are around the person they love, they are in the mood for love. The persona goes further to describe how being close to this person feels like heaven; a feeling that is noted in their bright eyes.
The lyrics also express the persona's lack of worry about the future of their relationship. They choose to enjoy the present moment, and not worry about what may happen in the future. Instead, they embrace the feeling they have at the moment when they are with the person they love.
The song's chorus "I'm in the mood for love" is repeated several times throughout the song. This emphasizes the persona's desire for love and the joy they experience in the presence of their beloved. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and Garner's unique playing style adds to the song's beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in the mood for love
I am feeling romantic and affectionate.
Simply because you're near me.
My feelings of love and desire are evoked by your presence.
Funny, but when you're near me
I find it curious that my emotions are so strongly impacted by your proximity.
I'm in the mood for love.
Again, my heart is full of love and passion because of you.
Heaven is in your eyes
Your gaze is so beautiful and captivating that it feels divine.
Bright as the stars we're under
Your eyes twinkle like the stars above us, and I am dazzled by them.
Oh! Is it any wonder
I'm in the mood for love?
It's no surprise that I am so overcome with love and desire when I look into your eyes.
Why stop to think of whether
There is no need to worry or doubt.
This little dream might fade?
Perhaps this passion won't last, but for now we should enjoy it.
We've put our hearts together
We have joined together in love and passion.
Now we are one, I'm not afraid!
I feel connected to you, and I am not scared about what that means.
If there's a cloud above
Even if there is something unpleasant or difficult happening.
If it should rain we'll let it
We will let whatever happens come our way, together.
But for tonight, forget it!
For this moment, we can forget any worries or troubles and just enjoy our time together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy Mchugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WaylonBMoore
tHe little genius that can't read music, but hearing it once can play a dozen
arrangements is a never ending fresh pianist whose early death still hurts all jazz music lovers.
@mirazusta2002
Well put!
@Tina-qp7py
Billy Strayhorn was another pianist who could hear a song once and play it better than the original.
@autumnleaves2766
Erroll Garner, the great jazz pianist, 15th June 1921 to 2nd JANUARY 1977. Over forty years since his death from a heart attack, recordings are still being brought to light for the first time eg The Amsterdam Nightconcert of 1964. Truly the gift that keeps giving. Has inspired me to play jazz piano, albeit as a dedicated amateur.
@stevenlusardi1999
never to late to listen to Erroll Garner ! Steve,NJ,USA.
@freddiefrumko4230
This performance is another race to the musical finish line. Movement or momentum is inherent here. .Talk about being in a musical relay race with him carrying the baton. OMG!. .
@gabegarcia6425
The man with the magical hands. Does it get any better than this?
@harri2626
One of my most favourite Erroll tracks. Controlled swing and excitement.
@dkj4183
Hundreds of his arrangements of all the standards, never-ending embellishments of which to this day upon more and more review I am still amazed. Thank you.
@meredith218461
As a broke music student way back in the 1960s living in a pokey bedsit in Earls Court I played this Garner track whenever I needed a pick-me-up. Such is the infectious swing I practically wore out the LP, its so good to revisit it here on Y.T.