ERNEST MCCARTY JR. & JIMMIE SMITH

Musician Ernest McCarty Jr. pays tribute to friend and legendary Pittsburgh pianist with new project It only took two days—July 27 and 28— and zero rehearsal time for bassist Ernest McCarty Jr., drummer Jimmie H. Smith, conga player Noel Quintana and late pianist Geri Allen to record, “A Reunion Tribute to Erroll Garner.” It was a labor of love 30 years in the making for McCarty, who performed with Garner from 1970 until Garner’s death in 1977 at the age of 53. McCarty credits Garner for broadening his life and musical scope. McCarty met Garner while performing at a club in New York and Garner was in the audience two or three times in one week. One night Garner called him over and the rest was history. The Garner Quartet of 1970-1977 consisted of Garner, McCarty Jr., Smith and conga player, the late Jose Mangual. Following his time with Garner, McCarty Jr. toured the read more...