Erroll Garner: I've Got to Be a Rugcutter
Track
I've Got to Be a Rugcutter
Artist
Erroll Garner (piano)
CD
Contrasts (Heritage Jazz/Polygram 515622Z)
Musicians:
Erroll Garner (piano),
Wyatt Ruther (bass), Eugene “Fats” Heard (drums)
.Composed by Duke Ellington
.Recorded: Chicago, July 27, 1954
Rating: 97/100 (learn more)
The contrast between Erroll Garner's left and right hands sometimes creates the aural illusion of two separate tempos. Despite this track's quick tempo, Garner takes his time on this Ellington gem. The composition was an early hit for Duke's band with vocalist Ivie Anderson and was featured in the 1937 film, The Hit Parade. Art Tatum's influence is evident here, but Garner makes every note his own. Fats Heard's masterful brushwork perfectly complements Garner, who varies pianistic styles from his standard left-hand chording to "locked hands," polyphonic contrary motion, and more orchestral, two-handed chordal passages.
Reviewer: Mark Lomanno
Tags: 1950s jazz · ellington covers · i've got to be a rugcutter · piano trio
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