Search - Art Tatum :: At The Piano, Volume 1

Overdubbed Applause? Ridiculous!

Travis R. Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 07/08/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I knew I'd heard these versions before on other discs, but what a low blow to pass these off as LIVE recordings. It's pretty obvious that the audio levels between piano and audience aren't even close to matching. Not only that, but I don't think there was ever a club where Tatum would have permitted such rampant conversation during his entire performance. Either that, or the audience was the stupidest to ever congregate.
It's a moot point to discuss Tatum on the disc; he's always been the best. But don't help line the pockets of whatever fat cat exec thought up this moronic concept."

If we could be with you one hour tonight ,live at the Club.

Travis R. Anderson | 02/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If one wanted proof that Art Tatum was the greatest (and I for one don't) this album would be Exhibit A. Tatum sits down at the keyboard before an enthusiastic audience at the Crescendo Club, and the excitement begins.From the first bars his genius is proclaimed. Song after song of creative improvisation flows from his fingertips. He is endlessly inventive in his unique melodic style,never repeating an idea or phrase from beginning to end.This recording illustrates that what was impossible for other pianists was effortless for Tatum,even in a live performance.Listening to masterpiece follow masterpiece, one has the impression that Art could continue improvising all night,weaving his polyphonic magic in a succession of brilliancies. My only complaint is that the date of the recording is not given.From the focused and comtemplative style, I would guess the early 50's."