The Tatum Group Masterpieces

[bverkerk]

A few months ago, I heard an Art Tatum recording on CBC Radio, was amazed by his playing and decided I wanted one of his CDs. Our local A&B Sound happened to have Volume 1 of The Tatum Group Masterpieces, with Benny Carter and Louis Bellson. I didn't have any Benny Carter recordings, so I bought it.

This CD quickly became one of my favourites. The material is a collection of blues and old standards, such as A Foggy Day, My Blue Heaven, S'wonderful and Makin' Whoopee. I love the style. It's easy on the ears, but the playing is at the highest level. Tatum and Carter play harmonic and other phrases and runs that make it a treat to listen to every time.

I like this CD so much, I'd now like to get another one in the series. Any recommendations? I've read there's one with Ben Webster that's good, and I love his playing. Has anyone heard it?

[Brian Nation]

I've read there's one with Ben Webster that's good, and I love his playing. Has anyone heard it?

Yes, I've heard it. About 17,000,000 times. If my house caught fire I'd shove the children out of my way so I could save my Art Tatum / Ben Webster album. It's a beauty from start to finish but "Where or When" stands out as one of the most hauntingly beautiful and sad and happy performances in the history of music.

If I seem to be going a little overboard here it's because I really like this album! :)

Get it!

[Jared Burrows]

All the Tatum group things that I have heard are amazing but, since I am a guitar player, my favorites are the ones with Tiny Grimes on 4-string electric guitar. Unfortunately, Grimes rarely recorded with ensembles of this calibre. I can't remember for sure but it might be Buddy Rich on drums on those ones. Great stuff. If the student that has my Tatum CDs is reading this, I'd like 'em back!
Cheers
Jared

[bverkerk]

I ordered Volume 8 of the Tatum Group Masterpieces with Ben Webster a couple of weeks ago, and it arrived yesterday. So far, I've listened to it three times, and I expect to be listening to it for years to come (16,999,997 times to go before I catch up with you, Brian).

The impact of Tatum's astonishing technique seems magnified at times on this CD, set against Webster's laid-back, but beautiful playing. Several times, I've heard Tatum play a phrase so quickly and with such precision and wondered, "How does he do that?" I could ask the same about Ben Webster's tone. I miss hearing him play Chelsea Bridge at the end of CBC's After Hours program.

Great liner notes, too, by Benny Green. They help to explain the context for the recording and why it works so well.

Thanks for the recommendation, Brian.

[Brian Nation]

It's a beauty from start to finish but "Where or When" stands out as one of the most hauntingly beautiful and sad and happy performances in the history of music.

Download "Where or When" (http://www.yousendit.com/download/OGhmV0p6Y1M3N0EwTVE9PQ)

The link will expire after 7 days or 100 downloads.

(I'm justifying the illegitimate sharing of this track with the knowledge that anyone who hears it will immediately rush out to buy the CD (http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/albums/PACD-2405-431-2/).)

[Gavin Walker]

All the Tatum Group Masterpieces are worth hearing and I agree with Brian that the Webster is a sentimental favourite but for sheer excitement and absolute virtuosity it's Volumes #3 and #4 with Lionel Hampton and Buddy Rich. Anyone who has dismissed Hampton as a showman with chops will hear his musical side here as he matches Tatum note for note and is not in the least intimidated by the great Art. I'm not forgetting Rich's contribution here either......musical, sensitive and swinging drumming at its best! Volume #5 has Rich,Hampton and Tatum with Harry 'Sweets' Edison(trumpet),Barney Kessell(guitar) and Red Callender(bass).....that one's worth a listen as well.