[78-L] Art Tatum 100th birthday

[Tim Huskisson]

I too adore Tatum's playing. Not only because of his piano technique, but
because of his inventiveness. Harmonically, he led the way for Charlie
Parker and really, established some fundamental devices used by Jazz
soloists in every development since then. 
I've always argued that great Jazz doesn't depend on great virtuosity. But
in Tatum's case, for me, it doesn't get in the way either. 

Regards,

Tim Huskisson



-----Original Message-----
From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com
[mailto:78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] On Behalf Of Randy Skretvedt
Sent: 14 October 2009 17:58
To: 78-L Mail List
Subject: Re: [78-L] Art Tatum 100th birthday

Well, I for one *love* Art Tatum's playing.  Yes, the runs around the
keyboard are showy, but to me they're breathtaking and they're not just
displays of dexterity, they're proof of a very sophisticated musical mind at
work.  Tatum's performances are intended only as his interpretation of a
given piece--and I think he finds all sorts of wonderful things hidden in
the nooks and crannies of a song's melody and chord structure.

Teddy Wilson was another one who expressed astonishment and admiration for
Tatum's playing, along with Waller.  Teddy said that if you put a piano in a
room and had the greatest jazz pianists play, then had Tatum perform, he
would make everyone else sound like a beginning student.  And I think what
Teddy Wilson is pointing to here is not simply Tatum's astounding dexterity,
I think he's talking about the musical thought behind his performances.  I
think of Tatum the way I think of Bix--someone who's able to find notes that
are entirely unexpected, yet fit the melody line or chord structure
perfectly.  

Those who think that Art Tatum is merely showy might try listening more
carefully to his recordings, particularly the ballads.
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