Unlike his slightly earlier recordings for Moodsville (which feature
Red Garland on unaccompanied piano solos), this strictly ballad date has
Garland joined (on all but the solo "Lush Life") by bassist
Larry Ridley and drummer
Frank Gant. Since all eight of the standards are taken at the same medium/slow tempo, there is not much variety here, keeping the CD from being essential. But
Garland's attractive and distinctive chord voicings, plus his ability to uplift melodies while swinging at a slow speed, make this project a success. Highlights include "The Nearness of You," "Where or When," and
Irving Berlin's "All Alone." Particularly effective when used as background music.