Artist:Art Tatum
Song:Tiger Rag
Album:Art Tatum's Finest Hour
This Verve comp is a perfect introduction to jazz pioneer Art Tatum. He was one of the most innovative jazz pianists. He was born Oct. 13, 1909 in Toledo, OH and was born nearly blind. He was mostly self taught and though he was very good friends with Fats Waller, their styles were much different. Tatum moved to New York in 1932 as singer Adelaide Hall's accompanist but what really got people's attention were his solo recordings for Decca in the 30s including this version of Tiger Rag from 1934. At the time there was no one who could play with Tatum's technique and dexterity. And though he occasionally played with a small band, Tatum was best known for his solo interpretations of standards in his unique style because he was not a composer. This Verve comp is perfect for beginners. Tatum was a heavy drinker and died of uremia on Nov. 5, 1956 at age 47. Art Tatum has been a major influence on every jazz pianist to come after him. Here's Art Tatum performing his interpretation of Dvorak's Humoresque. It's a very rare clip.
No comments:
Post a Comment