Customer Reviews

The Right Hand According to Tatum: A Guide to Tatum's Improvisational Techniques Plus 10 Transcribed Piano Solos

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to be pretty well written. the author gives an explanation of each phrase, some notes about it and possible variations, and also a brief discussion of the way tatum utilized all those phrases. the book also offers some transcriptions of tatum. But regardless of this, i felt this isnt the way to go: the best way to improve your playing is to transpose these solo's yourself and come up with your way of playing his phrases. Overall, very informative and interesting book about one of the greatest (jazz) musicians of all time

First of all, if you buy anything By Mr. Scivales, you are getting more than your moneys worth. Anyone who spends this amount of time and effort on the master, deserves all the credit you can give him. NO you will not all of a sudden play like Art, but it gives you and idea of how he did certain runs, and how he thought. In addition, you realize that he fingered things differently to get a certain sound. Now I can add some nice Tatum runs in my playing when I choose to. Now I didn't say I could do it as fast, but that is another story.

All books by Riccardo are excellent. He is one of the top five great piano educators who have written any jazz piano book.

I you love Art Tatum, This will be a real eye opener.

Having access to the secrets of the legendary Art Tatum's right hand wizardry is very useful whether to study for compositional or improvisational purposes. This book saves so much time that would have to be spent on self transcribing and self-discovery that it's a very practical way to learn a lot about Tatum. A lot of right hand devices are laid throughout this book and explained in detail how they function. Gaining mastery of many of these said devices will greatly "improve your chops". 5/5

I dare you to buy this. If you can play anything by Art Tatum, I need a piano teacher.