Customer Reviews

The Best of Art Tatum

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An album with the title "Best of Art Tatum" runs the risk of damning with faint praise: how do you choose among the many recordings that we are lucky enough to have from this early jazz keyboard giant who left us altogether too soon? Some of his best work (there was no BAD work) made it onto this disc: the "Willow weep for me" is is even more rococo (if that could be possible) than the Capitol recording of '49, and the tonalities shift around like quicksand while a maelstom of notes keeps pace in the upper register. My hair still stands on end when I hear it. "Caravan" in E flat minor? So fast that light starts to bend around it? Only Tatum. What he does with Massenet's "Elegy" I can only imagine as revenge for too many summer afternoons spent in front of that nasty old Schirmer piano anthology during a particularly fragile and vulnerable period in his childhood: there are passages where the whir of the notes going by evokes an old piano roll set too fast -- I can see his little legs pumping for all they're worth and a mature genius years later reproducing the sounds of a childhood prank. This disc is a good introduction to the genius of Tatum, and all the material is available elsewhere, which Tatumophiles likely already possess, but it's a good place to start. But be forewarned that if it's your first you will likely feel compelled to purchase many other Tatum discs later.

Having once had both the original Clef Records entire Tatum solo Masterpiece series, then both Pablo Solo and Group Masterpiece Series (they were stolen a long time back), I balked a little when I saw this billed as "The Best Of..." But I liked the tunes and the personnel, so I jumped, having no Tatum left. I was not at all disappointed. This is a fantastic re-introduction (or introduction) to the genius of this extraordinary pianist. And the sidemen - Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Benny Carter, Buddy de Franco, "little Jazz", Jo Jones - GEEZ -it took me a while to remember that all these were originally on the Group Masterpiece Series. This truly is a great intro to "The Best Of Art Tatum" along with sidemen. Try to get at least one Tatum solo CD. You will think he has overdubbed himself! What a talent.

TATUM was simply the greatest jazz pianist ever.No one could switch from one key to another at such a speed.It's no wonder that many famous classical pianists came to recognize his unique talent as a soloist.The first time i heard LOVE FOR SALE,i could not beleive that there was only one man playing the piano.This recording is a good sample of his works recorded on NORMAN GRANZ's label PABLO.The way this man played can not be teached,it is a gift from god.As generations go by,pianists come and go,but TATUM remains in a class by himself.

This turned out to be exactly what I was expecting. Wonderful from beginning to end. What a pleasure to hear such recorded treasures.

This is a "must have" cd. Hearing Art Tatum play brings tears to my eyes- Incredible.

Essentially blind and fuel by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Tatum carries himself one of the best pianist of all time. Refered to a God, it is evident as I became nearly intoxicated by the smooth and nearly effortless brillance reflected in the great selections found on this disk.

A superb album from a real virtuoso with a magic touch, wonderful improvisatory skills and irresistible rhythm. The transfer to CD is outstanding. The missing star? Tatum as good as they come (or have been) as soloist, but not the most empathetic accompanist.

Prior to purchasing this CD, I had never heard of Art Tatum. Upon hearing his music, I am delighted to have made this purchase. The songs that I have enjoyed the best are Willow Weep for Me and Love for Sale.