Red Garland's Critics?

In my humble opinion, hard bop was the most exciting and innovative period in jazz.  One of my favorite artists of the hard bop era is William McKinley "Red" Garland.  I know that our "jazz ears" are all different. However; how could any critic possibly label  Red Garland as a "cocktail lounge pianist", or his trio as playing"cocktail lounge music"?  Unbelievable!!!! Is this a fair assessment of Red Garland as an artist and a band leader? I'd like to read what you think.