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Art Tatum: The Best of the Pablo Solo Masterpieces
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Having uttered that heresy (sorry, George!), I still believe that Tatum is essential in bite-sized portions. This collection distills 20 tracks distilled from the 7-CD Complete Pablo Solo Masterpieces box, each recorded between 1953 and 1955 and produced by Norman Granz. The Best of provides nearly 80 minutes of Tatumic transformations, as he turns the pop tunes of his era into intricate inventions. The longer tracks like "Body and Soul" and "In a Sentimental Mood" are especially intriguing, since they are more fully developed and Tatum's ability to transcend cliché is most evident (for example, his witty interweaving of "Swanee" in the latter is nothing less than brilliant).
This recording is a complement to the Best of the Pablo Group Masterpieces , also newly released. Tatum worshippers like my friend, regular fans, and those new to his genius will no longer wonder what all the fuss is about.
Track Listing
Too Marvelous for Words, I've Got the World on a String, Stompin' at the Savoy, You Go to My Head, Makin' Whoopee, Stardust, Crazy Rhythm, Mean to Me, Body and Soul, Ain't Misbehavin', I Cover the Waterfront, Would You Like to Take a Walk?, Cherokee, In a Sentimental Mood, Night and Day, Tea for Two, I Didn't Know What Time It Was, Over the Rainbow, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Someone to Watch Over Me
Personnel
Art Tatum
pianoArt Tatum (solo piano)
Album information
Title: The Best of the Pablo Solo Masterpieces | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Fantasy Jazz
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