Art Tatum Revisited

[Allan]

I know that I read somewhere earlier about Tatum under the heading of, I believe, "Best Pianists."  As a classically trained pianist and organist I never really considered Tatum until I purchased a cd of his a few years ago.   Folks, I must say that he is the most impressive pianist I have ever heard---classical, jazz or whatever!!  After hearing the cd, I was determined to buy a few more.  

I challenge all of you pianists (who, like me,  fancy the technical and musical challenges of Liszt and others) to purchase the book "The Art Taum Collection" (Hal Leonard Publisher) which contains some of his transcriptions.   Try, for example, playing (at Tatum's tempo) "Tiger Rag" or "Tea for Two."   Or, just play the cd containing his 1933 recordings of these two pieces as you study the music.  Now, try to emulate just a few pages of these works.  You will be blown away!! His playing is in the stratosphere.  Horowitz was once quoted as saying to Tatum, "I can play as fast as you, but I can't keep up with you."  Actually, I do not think even Horowitz could play as fast and cleanly as Tatum.  

Tatum's ability to play so quickly, and yet with definition is unmatched.  And, oh those runs (no Liberace here--but varied and extremley difficult work), the rapid on-beat tenths, the modulations (different keys meant nothing to Tatum).  He could also play smaller, more intimate work.  Really, he could play anything.  This genius makes seem easy what talent finds difficult or even impossible.  He could make quick and enormous leaps (did I mention he was almnost totally blind!)

[jr11]

He is amazing. His skills as a pianist are the equal of any contemporary/classical player I know. That fact that he wrote most of his material places him in a category close to the masters of previous centuries.

Check out some of Dave Brubeck's material as well... big hands required!

[Daevren]

The beauty is not really in the speed itself but in the way it is used. Its amazing. Classical musicians always seem to miss this. Its really hard to improvise in a sensible way. It takes alot of intellect. Its even harder to do it fast, and at an advanced level, harmonicly or rhytmicly. Its kind of hearing how fast he can think and how nice and deep he thinks at the same time.

I know one musician, he was incredible. He really mastered fast improvisation. And I don't mean how fast he played(tough he is the fastest I ever heard) but in which ways he could use speed to express different musical ideas.

This guy grew up in the blues capital of the world, got into Charlie Parker, Tatum, Liszt, Rach and Allan Holdsworth and all the other masters of smart music at high speed. And then he started to learn Indian music, music in which you learn to play any combination of notes in any rhythm at any speed, and also music that has the most celebral theoretical system. He was one of the few westerners that could pass as an indian musician. And all this completely self taught.

He was an universal genius, an enigma. He was called Shawn Lane. By far the best musician ever.

[joeltr888]

He was an universal genius, an enigma. He was called Shawn Lane. By far the best musician ever.

... and he will be missed. (but I don't think he would've wanted anyone to call him the best musician ever)

[comme_le_vent]

hahahahaaa, what are you doing talking about shawn lane?


best musician ever???

and im like...what

tatum was the greatest improviser ive ever heard.

if improvisation was the test of a great musician, hed be the greatest ive ever heard...

and about his speed, there are classical dudes who can match him.

[Allan]

According to biographies, Tatum worked on his pieces but could also, if and when he wanted, change them.  In a very real way he composed (in his head rather than on paper!) his pieces (usually based on themes from others) and his re-harmonizations were fantastic.   Thus, he was both an incredible arranger and player.  Although Cziffra, Horowitz, etc. were outstanding, in overall keyboard skills, I bet, in the end, he would have run circles around most of our classical bretheren.  

[thracozaag]

 You're comparing apples and oranges.  No doubt that Tatum was one of the most astonishing talents to ever grace the keyboard (at least in my opinion).

koji

[Allan]

I am happy to say that I like apples AND oranges.