Art Tatum: No Greater Art

Today, Art Tatum would have been 88. His music survives and continues to astound. This weekend, after working my way through his Solo and Group … Read More "Art Tatum: No Greater Art"

Today, Art Tatum would have been 88. His music survives and continues to astound.

This weekend, after working my way through his Solo and Group Masterpieces on Pablo, which included such collaborators as Roy Eldridge, Lionel Hampton and Ben Webster, I’m listening to a Verve reissue, 20th Century Piano Genius, recorded live at several Beverly Hills parties in the ’50s. I flash on such accolades as “Tatum-no one can imitatum” and “No one can overratum.” A bit trite perhaps, but they do have the ring of truth.