Group Masterpieces 7

Art Tatum | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Pablo
• ASIN: B000000XN8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,026 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing complexity, beautifully articulated, January 8, 2001

By 

Richard A. Leiti (Naples, Fl USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Group Masterpieces 7 (Audio CD)

Truly a unique and unforgetable collaboration between two giants in jazz history. Tatum and DeFranco are in peak form, creating dialogues between the piano and clarinet which have to be heard to be believed. An absolutely stunning achievement. DeFranco's brilliant improvisations, technically flawless, are driven to new heights by the relentless and hard charging Tatum. There were few if any musicians that could hold there ground with Tatum. Lionel Hampton comes to mind. DeFranco not only holds his ground but keeps Tatum on the edge of his seat. Pay particular attention to Tatum in the back ground of a Buddy Defranco solo. Here is where Tatum's genius truly shines. His technical level is never diminished and he continues to taunt at every turn. This is truly a one of a kind encounter and historical in nature.It is rare that what may be two of the greatest jazz instumentalist on their respective intsruments get to sit down and jam together at their peaks. But it happened. You've got to hand it to the producer Norman Granz, this one is a gem.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, August 10, 2001

By 

James M. Cargal (Montgomery, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Group Masterpieces 7 (Audio CD)

All of the Tatum group and solo masterpieces are worth having. They are a great monument in the historical legacy of jazz. Buddy DeFranco was one of the few musicians with the virtuosity to truly interplay with Tatum. The chemistry is very good. It is one of the two or three best of the group masterpieces.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable encounter, March 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Group Masterpieces 7 (Audio CD)

Clarinetist Buddy DeFranco was (and at this writing still going strong at age 81) one of the few jazz instrumentalists who could keep up with the technical wizardry of pianist Art Tatum. I had the chance to ask Buddy about these recordings a couple of years ago during his visit to the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. When confronted with the CD jacket and a request to characterize what it was like to play with Tatum, Buddy answered with just one word: "Scary." In addition, the cover photo of Buddy seated was taken that way because the clarinetist was sick with the flu. You can't tell from listening to this record. It's jazz playing of the highest order from two of the greatest players on their respective instruments.