Garland at the Grove is the debut live album by Judy Garland. It was released in mono on February 2, 1959 and in stereo on February 16, 1959, by Capitol Records, and accompanied by Freddy Martin and his orchestra. The album was recorded at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
The album preceded Garland's famous run and landmark recording at Carnegie Hall by three years. The Cocoanut Grove show featured Garland with Freddy Martin's Orchestra, rather than others like Nelson Riddle or Billy May.
In 2008, the album was remastered and released in the compact disc format by DRG Records, the release included 13 "live" selected performances, three of which did not appear on the original LP.
Critical reception
Billboard commended the album, emphasizing its "exceptional" vocal performance, a "striking" cover photo, and "excellent" sound quality. They also noted the impressive comedic rendition of "Purple People Eater". Cash Box stated that the LP "displays Miss Garland at her best – when she's performing in front of a live, appreciative audience", adding that "the singer stirs up lots of memories and excitement" and called it "a delectable deck" likely to "stir up lots of sales".
In a retrospective review, William Ruhlmann of AllMusic noted that the album "demonstrat[es] to people unable to make it to venues like the Palladium what all the fuss was about" and emphasized that Garland is "clearly a powerful performer with a strong connection to her listeners," even without the visual complement and despite occasional signs of laryngitis. Frank Behrens of Brattleboro Reformer praised Garland as the greatest American female singer and described the album as a treasured addition to her legacy.
Track listing
Personnel Judy Garland – vocals Freddy Martin and his Orchestra Freddy Martin – arranger, conductor
References