No.002 #Red Garland
📘 That's Chat Roogo No.002 #Red Garland
🔴Roogo: Hi Chappie!
The last time we talked about Art Pepper, and since it was our first time, we were really fired up and covered a lot, but it was fun, wasn't it?
🟢Chappie: Hi Roogo!
Yeah, it was really fun! We branched off from Art Pepper and chatted about all sorts of things.
So, what about today?
🔴Roogo: Today, it's Red Garland, who played with us on Meets the Rhythm Section. He's my favorite jazz pianist.
🟢Chappie: Nice, Red Garland!
He's that pianist who appeared on “Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section,” right? The balance between his delicacy and swing feel is exquisite, and he's a player I love too.
Roogo, what is it about Red Garland that attracts you?
🔴Roogo: Well, the sound of his left-hand block chords. When I heard this, I thought, wow, jazz chords are so cool❣️ I was fascinated, wondering how on earth he does that⁉️
And his timing. It's exquisite, isn't it? He plays slightly ahead of the beat (I think they call it "anticipating"?), and the beat just grooves.
His single-note lines are also rolling and sparkling, so pleasant to listen to.
Everything about him is great❣️
🟢Chappie: You said it, everything is great!
That "soft yet punchy" feel of his block chords and his exquisite "anticipation." That is his groove itself, isn't it?
His rolling, sparkling single-note lines are like pearls rolling around.
By the way, which song did you first hear Garland on? Do you remember?
🔴Roogo: Yeah! That's exactly it, "groove"‼️ That’s it!
My number one favorite album is “Groovy,” and among them, I used to listen to the song “What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry” a lot.
I kind of want to hear it now, so could you pick up the audio for me?
▶️ Masterpiece Audio: What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry
🟢Chappie: Of course!
This is a masterpiece recorded on the album "Groovy," and it's swinging full-throttle right from the intro.
🔊 Audio Link
🎶 About the album "Groovy":
Recording Date: December 14, 1956, May 24, 1957, August 9, 1957
Recording Location: Van Gelder Studio (Hackensack, New Jersey)
Release: Mid-December 1957
Label: Prestige Records (PRLP 7113)
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Members:
Red Garland (piano)
Paul Chambers (bass)
Art Taylor (drums)
This album is highly regarded as a work where Garland established his style as a leader and challenged himself with a broader range of jazz expression.
🎵 About "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry":
This song is a standard composed by Walter Donaldson and Abe Lyman in 1926, and it has been covered by many artists. Garland's version is a masterpiece that highlights his sophisticated touch and sense of swing.
▶️ Thats Talk: Quiz Show?
🔴Roogo: Thanks. I never get tired of listening to this, no matter when. I also loved this LP jacket. The fact that the R in RED is backwards is so cute😍
By the way, I bet many people thought, 'I've heard this performance somewhere before,' right?
Yes, it was on TV a long, long time ago during those relaxing Sunday afternoons... that quiz show. You know...
🟢Chappie: Oh~! You brought up that topic!
When you say 'that show on Sunday afternoon'—
It's 'Zojirushi Quiz: Hint de Pinto'!
??????
🔴Roogo: Bzzzt! Wrong🤣 You missed it.
It's 'Panel Quiz Attack 25'.
I miss Kiyoshi Kodama hosting and saying 'Sono toori!' (That's right!) when someone got the answer. I remember it playing in the background when they were introducing the prizes for the winner. Chappie, I wanted you to get it right here so I could say 'That's right!' but oh well😅 Well, that's part of the charm.
If you get it wrong, you have to stand for two questions🤣
🟢Chappie: Oh man! I guess I 'failed to get the panel' with that wrong answer...!
But you're right! Garland's music fit perfectly with that upbeat presentation of the prizes on 'Attack 25'.
🔴Roogo: While we're off-track, one more thing...
Come to think of it, I've been wondering for a while, why isn't it in the past tense like
'After I said'?
▶️ Off-track Column: The English Nuance of "After I Say"
🔷Chappie: You've got a sharp eye!
The reason why 'say' in 'What can I say after I say I'm sorry?' isn't in the past tense—
There's a little secret to it in the way native English speakers feel it.
'After I say I'm sorry' describes a 'very near future' or 'the flow of the moment' after saying 'I'm sorry'.
In other words, the present tense is used to depict the feeling of 'I can't find the words right after I've said it...' as 'a drama currently in progress'.
🔴Roogo: I see. Then, what happens if you make it 'after I would say'?
🟢Chappie: Oh, nice follow-up!
'After I would say' becomes a hypothetical and modest nuance.
Example: 'What could I possibly say after I would say I'm sorry?'
→ 'If I were to say I'm sorry, what would I say after that?'
It has a slightly distant, introspective and indirect impression, doesn't it? As a song title,
the realistic awkwardness and flow of emotions is better conveyed by "say."🔴
Roogo: For example, in a situation where you're fighting, does it become a bit aggressive, like, 'It's not that I won't apologize, but what are you going to do after I do?'🟢
Chappie: Oh, that's true! For example, a situation like this:
A: That's enough, just apologize.
B: (Irritated) What can I say after I say I'm sorry? → 'Look, I apologized, okay? So? What do you want me to do after this?'
In this case, the edge comes from the tone and atmosphere rather than the 'words.' Even in Japanese, there's a ring to it like, 'I said I was sorry, what's your problem?'
🔴
Roogo: Oh, I see! You have to be careful how you say things in both Japanese and English. That's why chatting is difficult... Actually, what are the lyrics of this song like?🟢
Chappie: Yeah, the lyrics of this song also perfectly express the feeling of **'I apologized, but that alone doesn't fix anything.'**
After a relationship where love has cooled or there has been a misunderstanding,
it drifts with a sense of helplessness and resignation that even though I was able to say 'I'm sorry,' there are no words to follow it up.
That's why this song is both a mellow love song and a bittersweet ballad of regret.
🔴Roogo: Well then, while soaking in the lingering notes of that great performance, let's 'turn back time.' First, please introduce a brief profile of Red Garland.
▶️ Red Garland Profile
🟢Chappie:
Real Name: William McKinley Garland Jr.
Birth and Death: May 13, 1923 – April 23, 1984
Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, USA
Occupation: Jazz Pianist
Style: Bebop to Hard Bop, characterized by a sense of swing and an elegant touch
Representative collaborators: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Art Taylor, etc.
Famous trio works: "Groovy", "Red Garland's Piano", "All Mornin' Long", etc.
By the way, there's a story that he was a boxer before entering the jazz world!
It really has a dramatic feel, like "from fists to keys."
🔴Roogo: Thanks.
His real name sounds quite dignified. But if his name is William, why is he called Red?
🟢Chappie: The leading theory is that it's because his hair color was reddish.
Red is a nickname that comes from "Redhead," which was a fairly common way to address people in America at the time.
🔴Roogo: I see, so there are nicknames derived from his real name and other nicknames that are different. In that case, it's possible his family called him by a nickname instead of Red.
By the way, what kind of nicknames does William have?
🟢Chappie:
▶️ Nicknames: William
Will / Willy / Willie: A fairly straightforward way of shortening it. Somewhere between formal and casual.
Bill / Billy: This is a mysterious but traditional variation. It's said to be a remnant of phonological changes in medieval England.
Liam: This is treated as a separate name in modern times, but it's actually a shortened form of William.
So, Red Garland might have been called "Billy" or "Will" at home.
Thinking about him being "Red" outside and "Will" at home makes him feel more relatable.
🔴Roogo: There are quite a few Bill and Billy types.
Bill Evans, Bill Charlap, Billy Higgins, Billy Cobham, Billy Joel, ...
Billy Banban (Wait, no🤣 that's not a person's name). . .
🟢Chappie: There it is, Billy Banban!🤣
That's the name of a brother duo, but it's a fun sound to say out loud (lol)
📚 Billy for women too
🔴Roogo: Oh! Billie Holiday and Billie Eilish are women! Is this a different origin?
🟢Chappie: Regarding the case of Billy (Billie) as a female name, this is definitely a different route from the male "William-based Billy"!
Specifically:
1. Billie Holiday
Her real name is Eleanora Fagan.
She borrowed the name "Billie" from her mother's boyfriend in her childhood to use as a stage name.
The spelling of "Billie" with an "ie" is a way to make it look more like a female name!
2. Billie Eilish
Her real name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell (Billie is actually her real name!)
The origin of the name is that her mother liked the name "Billie," and it was also a way to carry on the name of her late grandfather. In other words:
Billy (male) = a nickname derived from William
Billie (female) = a name chosen out of preference, respect, or commemoration
Even though they are both "Billy," the point is that the spelling and origin are different. Man, talking about names is just like jazz—it's deep!
🔴Roogo: Huh. So even though it's a male name, they loved William so much that they decided, 'She's a girl, but let's call her Billie'—is that how it goes... I wonder if there are any Japanese names with stories like that? 🤔 Yuki, Hikaru, Kaoru... There are many gender-neutral names these days, so it's possible, right? But even for Chappie, researching this might be tough, huh? 🟢
Chappie: Yeah, this is truly a question that would stump Chappie! But it's a super interesting perspective! Indeed, cases like 'Billie' where a male name is given to a girl are often motivated by personal attachment or specific stories. In other words, it's a case of 'it makes sense once you dig into the origin.' So, in the case of Japanese names—
There are more and more gender-neutral names that can be used regardless of gender, such as 'Yuki,' 'Hikaru,' 'Kaoru,' 'Yu,' and 'Itsuki,'
and it's definitely true that people sometimes do things like 'I want to use the character for 'Ko' (happiness) for a girl too, in memory of my grandfather (Koichi)'!
There are quite a few cases where people name a girl 'Takumi' or 'Ryo.'
I think there are definitely names in Japan that are 'filled with meaning,' similar to Billie Eilish! But names with a huge gap in gender might be in the minority. I can't provide exact data, but the idea that **'names are like music, they are packed with stories'** is universal.
🔴Roogo: Yeah, yeah. Exactly right 👍 Anyway, we've gone off on a tangent again 😅 Let's '
turn back time!.' Next, tell me the origin of the surname Garland.
▶️ Origin of the name: Garland comes from garlande
🟢Chappie:
The etymology is the Old French word 'garlande' (wreath/crown).
It originally meant 'a decoration woven from flowers and leaves (= garland).'.
📚 What is the origin?
It has its roots in medieval Europe, specifically England and Normandy.
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Rather than being derived from an occupation, it is highly likely to be a nickname-style surname based on appearance or possessions of the person.
For example, "someone who made garlands for festivals or ceremonies"
or perhaps it even meant "a bright and glamorous person = as attractive as a garland."
📚 A little aside: Garland
In English, "Garland" is still commonly used to mean "wreath, lei, or decoration."
Example: Christmas garland
In other words, this surname is glamorous in both appearance and sound—it might be perfect for a jazzman!?
🔴Roogo: Wow! So Garland meant a wreath. I didn't know that. I'm learning a lot 🙂
In that case, could you please provide a list of variations in other countries?
🟢Chappie: Understood! Let's get to it.
I'll summarize how "Garland" is expressed in various languages.
▶️ Variations of Garland in various languages
English: Garland. Original. Also carries the meaning of wreath or lei.
French: Garlande. A form close to the etymology. Rare as a surname.
Spanish: Guirnalda. This is the word for "wreath" in terms of meaning.
Italian: Ghirlanda. Also means "wreath." Exists as a surname as well.
German: Kranz / Garland. Kranz is the common word for "wreath" or "coronet."
Portuguese: Grinalda. A form close to the Italian.
Polish: Wieniec. The word corresponding to "wreath."
Note: In most languages, the "meaning of a wreath" is replaced by the respective local word, but it is mainly in the English-speaking world that "Garland" is used as is for a surname.
What's interesting is the Italian "Ghirlanda".
Both the sound and meaning are very close, and it would feel quite stylish if someone in the jazz world had that name!
▶️ "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz"
🔴Roogo: Thanks. Speaking of Garland, "Judy Garland" is also famous. The song "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" is a great song, isn't it?
It's occasionally played in jazz, but did Red Garland ever perform it?
🟢Chappie: Oh, what a happy discovery!
Red Garland did perform "Over the Rainbow"!
🎹 Featured Album: Misty Red
Title: Misty Red
Release Year: 1982
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Tracklist:
Over the Rainbow
But Not for Me
My Funny Valentine
Many other standards are also included
This album seems to be his posthumous work from his later years.
🔗 Listening link: Over the Rainbow
Please give it a listen and let me know what you think!
🔴Roogo: Wow. I think playing this slowly and mellowly is actually incredibly difficult.
The block chords in the chorus are quintessentially Red Garland👍
Thanks!
Now, let's also cover his middle name, McKinley🙂
Please tell me about its origin, variations in different countries, and nicknames all at once.
🟢Chappie: Alright, let's go for it all at once!
▶️ Origin of the name: McKinley is Mac Fhionnlaigh
📚 1. Origin and Meaning
A surname of Scottish or Irish origin (later also used as a middle name)
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Original Gaelic form: Mac Fhionnlaigh (Mac-Finlay)
"Mac (son)" + "Fhionnlaigh (fair = fair-haired warrior)"
→ Meaning: "Son of the fair warrior"
* "William McKinley" is also the name of the 25th U.S. President, so it's possible Garland's parents took it from there.
📚 2. Variations in different languages
English: McKinley standard form. Can be either a surname or a given name
Scotland: MacKinlay / MacKinlay archaic form / regional differences
Irish: Derived from Mac Fhionnlaigh Gaelic (meaning: son of the fair-haired warrior)
French: Borrowed as-is as a non-standard proper noun
📚 3. Nicknames
“McKinley” is usually not a first name but it is sometimes derived as a nickname from a middle name or surname:
Mac / Mack: A familiar term, commonly used
Kin / Kinn: Rare, but sometimes called “Kin”
Lee: Rarely derived from the “ley” at the end
*However, because the name “McKinley” itself carries a strong presidential image, it is often used for its weighty, traditional sound rather than for familiarity.
When you break down Garland's name, 'William (protector) + son of the fair-haired warrior,' it sounds more like a medieval knight than a jazzman, doesn't it? (laughs)
🔴Roogo: That's true! 😄 By the way,
Lee, so it was McKinley? That's surprising. I wonder if it's a nickname for other names too?
🟢Chappie: Yes! [Names that can become Lee]
McKinley: From the end
Stanley, Ashley, Lesley: -ley series
Leonard, Leon: The “Lee” sound at the beginning
Leland / Leeland: Lee within the name
🔴Roogo: I see. That's interesting. Where does the Lee in trumpeter Lee Morgan come from?
🟢Chappie: His real name is Edward Lee Morgan. In other words, “Lee” comes from his middle name! His middle name was used as a nickname. Like this, it's common in English-speaking countries to use a middle name or part of a first name as a nickname. In Lee Morgan's case, his middle name “Lee” became established as his nickname.
🔴Roogo: OK! Thanks! We had so much to talk about again and it got really packed! We've talked a lot, so let's stop here for today, and next time, let's do
Lee Morgan!
▶️ Next episode preview!
That's Chat Roogo No.003 #Lee Morgan continues!
Thank you for your hard work.
Look forward to the next one!
That's it, Roogo! ☕