ART TATUM (The greatest pianist you might have heard, but maybe not) Jazz History #25

“First you speak of Art Tatum, then you take a deep breath and speak of all other pianists.“ So said Dizzy Gillespie. Fletcher Henderson said: “I think we are in the presence of the greatest talent you or I will ever hear.” Dave Brubeck said: “I think there is as much chance of another Tatum showing up as there is another Mozart.” Tatum’s astonishing virtuosity, fully evident even on his debut recording in 1933, is nearly unmatched in jazz history. If this is your introduction to the man Count Basie called “the eighth wonder of the world“, prepare to be astonished. There are many more videos like this one in the Jazz History playlist on this channel. Don’t miss the one on Dorothy Donegan, about whom Art Tatum said: “She’s the only one who can make me practice.“ (And whose video I subtitled ’The greatest pianist you never heard.’) If you want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of playing jazz, check out the videos