Tatum: Improvisations

Art Tatum, arguably the greatest pianist in the history of jazz, combined Harlem stride, ingenious pianistic extensions, humor, harmony that stretched its language to the limits and the subtlest of improvisational techniques. The Afro-American pianist Art Tatum was nearly blind from childhood. He made an early reputation for himself as a solo player and in his recordings, as well as with various bands. His achievement lay in his development of the New York Harlem Stride school of jazz-playing, under the influence of Fats Waller. This collection presents improvised and embellished (jazz-style) versions of classic tunes in the style that Art Tatum made famous.