Art Tatum Live: Volume Two 1944-1945

Misc. CD/DVD

This is the second of an eight CD, 188-track set comprised of previously unissued broadcast performances by the legendary jazz pianist, Art Tatum. The music on this twenty-one track album was all recorded in 1944-45, primarily in New York City. The repertoire is mostly popular tunes of the day, including compositions by Jerome Kern, the Gershwin brothers, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington but also includes two classical numbers by Dvorak. Art Tatum was one of the most brilliant pianists - in any genre - who ever lived. His astonishing technique, fantastic creativity and blinding speed and virtuosity have never been equaled. Thanks to his great technical command he could represent the instruments of an entire orchestra into his solo playing. Tatum's astonishing virtuosity is evident on every number here but an especially exceptional example can be found by listening to How High The Mooon. Two other highlights on this wonderful CD are Tatum's spoken introduction to She's Funny That Way and his five-minute long solo-piano Gershwin melody.

Featuring Tiny Grimes, Slam Stewart and Remo Palmieri on guitar, Specs Powell on drums and Murray McEachern and his AFRS orchestra.