by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Erroll Garner's first album for Mercury Records, The Original "Misty" from the Piano Virtuoso, is a lovely, swinging record that spotlights his light, sophisticated style. Supported by bassist Wyatt Ruther, drummer Eugene "Fats" Heard and conga player Candido Camero, Garner swings a number of standards -- "You Are My Sunshine," "I've Got the World on a String," "Misty" -- performing all of them in true style. It's a wonderful record from the pianist's prime. [The CD reissue includes the 45 take of "Exactly Like You."]