Ellis Larkins is best known as an accompanist for Ella Fitzgerald and other singers, but he was a formidable artist on his own. This, his first solo LP, came soon after his first, classic Gershwin album with Ella. In it, his understated but sophisticated style is well matched with the melodies of Harold Arlen.
Larkins is a melodic improviser, with a sure sense of where he is going at all times. Allied to his strong rhythmic impulse, this gives his performances a pleasing sense of inevitability.
Larkins went on to a long career as a highly esteemed accompanist and solo artist in the clubs. He also made a number of records with another soft-spoken artist, cornetist Ruby Braff.
These songs were recorded in New York in June 1951 and January 1952. The sound was dead and distant; I have addressed this so that the results are a much better representation of what a piano actually sounds like. This was done at the cost of raising the noise level on what was a typically awful Decca pressing, so be prepared for some background noise. It's worth it, I think, to hear Ellis Larkins in his prime in great music.
