[78-L] Art Tatum 100th birthday

[Cary Ginell]

I found Tatum to be an important link between the stride of Waller and the more free-thinking work of Monk and Bud Powell. The difference is that he could swing better than any bopper could, the result of his influence from stride pianists. Anyone who "doesn't get" Tatum probably is listening from a melodic point of view. I'm not a pianist, but I am a musician, and I hear things that might sound dissonant on first listening, but then find out how much sense they really make upon repeated listenings. I always thought that Tatum played as if he had four hands. Like him or not, there was no piano player who could approach his incredible technique. 

 

Cary Ginell
 
> From: timhuskisson at btinternet.com
> To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:31:02 +0100
> Subject: Re: [78-L] Art Tatum 100th birthday
> 
> 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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