Biography
The Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Art Taylor trio was a highly influential jazz ensemble active primarily from 1956 to 1958, representing the pinnacle of the hard bop era. The group was led by pianist Red Garland, born William McKinley Garland Jr. in Dallas, Texas, in 1923. Garland began his musical journey on clarinet and alto saxophone, later switching to piano during his time in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he became a fixture in the New York jazz scene, eventually joining Miles Davis's legendary quintet in the 1950s, where his distinctive block chord style and swinging touch became hallmarks of modern jazz piano[2][3][5].
Bassist Paul Chambers, born in 1935, was renowned for his lyrical arco (bowed) technique and deep, resonant pizzicato lines, making him one of the most sought-after bassists of his generation. Drummer Art Taylor, born in 1929, was celebrated for his sensitive, creative drumming and ability to drive a band without overpowering it. Together, the trio recorded nine studio albums for Prestige Records between 1956 and 1958, producing a body of work that remains a benchmark for jazz piano trios. Their repertoire blended jazz standards, blues, and original compositions, showcasing Garland's melodic inventiveness, Chambers's expressive bass work, and Taylor's crisp, swinging rhythms[1][3][4].
The trio's influence extended far beyond their own recordings. Their interplay and approach to standards set a template for future jazz trios, and their collaborations with other jazz luminaries—such as Kenny Burrell, John Coltrane, and Donald Byrd—further cemented their legacy. Though each member pursued individual careers, their collective work as a trio is celebrated for its elegance, swing, and enduring impact on jazz[2][3][4].
Fun Facts
- Red Garland was an amateur boxer and once fought (and lost to) the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson[2].
- Paul Chambers was a pioneer in using the bow (arco) on the double bass in jazz, a technique rarely heard before his time[3].
- The trio’s debut album 'A Garland of Red' (1956) is considered a classic and marked Garland’s first recording as a leader[5].
- Art Taylor was known for his meticulously constructed drum solos, which were concise and never overlong, a rarity among jazz drummers of the era[3].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Buster 'Prof' Smith - Early saxophone teacher and mentor to Red Garland, influential in his foundational jazz education (N/A) [1930s-1940s]
- John Lewis - Army pianist who taught Red Garland piano during his military service (N/A) [1941-1944]
Key Collaborators
- Miles Davis - All trio members played in Miles Davis's quintet; Garland was a key pianist, Chambers the bassist, Taylor briefly the drummer (Miles Davis Quintet recordings (1950s), including 'Workin’', 'Steamin’', 'Relaxin’', 'Cookin’') [1955-1958]
- John Coltrane - Recorded as a quintet with Garland's trio, notably on Prestige sessions (Prestige recordings with Red Garland Quintet) [1957-1958]
- Kenny Burrell - Guitarist featured on select trio recordings (Tracks 'Four' and 'Walkin’') [1956]
Artists Influenced
- Herbie Hancock - Cited Red Garland as a major influence on his piano style, especially in block chords and melodic phrasing (Early Blue Note recordings) [1960s]
- Wynton Kelly - Adopted elements of Garland’s touch and rhythmic feel in his own trio work (Miles Davis recordings, solo albums) [1950s-1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| All Kinds Of Weather | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| A Garland Of Red | 1956 | Album |
| Rojo | 2014-11-01 | Album |
| Groovy | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Traneing In [Rudy Van Gelder edition] | 1957 | Album |
| At The Prelude | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Groovy | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Solar & Rojo | 1955-01-24 | Album |
| It's A Blue World | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Rojo | 1961-01-01 | Album |
| On Prestige | 2024-05-10 | Album |
| Moodsville, Volume 1 (Remastered 1989) | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Misty Red | 2020-06-17 | Album |
| Stella By Starlight | 2016-05-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Stormy Weather (All Kinds Of Weather)
- 'Tis Autumn (All Kinds Of Weather)
- Rain (All Kinds Of Weather)
- A Foggy Day (A Garland Of Red)
- Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year (All Kinds Of Weather)
- You Better Go Now (Rojo)
- What Is This Thing Called Love? - Instrumental (A Garland Of Red)
- Summertime (All Kinds Of Weather)
- Little Girl Blue - Instrumental (A Garland Of Red)
- My Romance - Instrumental (A Garland Of Red)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Art Taylor has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2025 | 18:25 | birks' worksfrom soul junction | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 06:25 | I Know Why (And So Do You)from Red Garland's Piano | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 17:50 | Let Me Seefrom RED GARLAND AT THE PRELUDE | Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray | |
| Oct 27, 2025 | 16:43 | BLUE INTERLUDE (A.T.'S DELIGHT)from FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | 16:27 | birks' worksfrom soul junction | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Sep 14, 2025 | 17:18 | Let Me Seefrom RED GARLAND AT THE PRELUDE | Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray |