Art Tatum - The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 1

gutbucket blues

This recording is (surprisingly) very bluesy and lowdown. Since there is no bassist, the players seem to have decided to fall back on the basics. It is interesting to hear Tatum in this context, where many of his 'ornamental' tendencies have been discarded in favor a more straightforward approach, relatively speaking. For Art Pepper fans, the Carter influence is very obvious (Pepper played in Carter's band during his formulative period). This is a fabulous recording, easily recommended for any serious jazz collection. May 21, 2007

Swing Extravaganza Vol 1

Art Tatum manages to be both adventurous in the field of harmonies and an unstopable rhythm machine; a rhythm section and a soloist at the same tame, capable of grinding lesser musicians.

Carter however, obviously does not belong to the ranks of lesser musician in any respect I can imagine; his alto sax is melodic and lyrical as opposed to Tatum's wild harmonies, but these two giants somehow don't clash; instead they complement each other. Why is it so? Probably because of Carter's subtle sense of rhythm; a good match to Tatum's rhytmical abilities.
With explosive Louis Bellson on the drums, this could be nothing less than a classic. September 9, 2006

such great FEELING!

since the track list above is wrong, i will give it to you:
1 blues in C
2 undecided
3 under a blanket of blue
4 blues in Bb
5 a foggy day
6 street of dreams
7 s'wonderful
8 makin whoopee
9 old fashioned love
10 blues in my heart
11 my blue heaven
12 hands across the table
13 you're mine you
14 idaho

the first track, "blues in C" is at a slow tempo, with tatum starting off all by himself. the atmosphere is sort of a sad blues. benny carter and louis bellson join in, and benny carter's solo (as with everywhere on this album) is completely amazing and beautiful.
"undecided" is an up-tempo swing, nice contrast to the previous and following pieces.
"under a blanket of blue" is the highlight to me. this is played as a slow swing, and the song is very close to Body and Soul. Benny Carter's phrasing and note choice cannot be improved on and his feeling is stunning. I only have one other Benny Carter CD, and this CD alone immediately puts him in the class of saxophonists such as Lester Young and Charlie Parker.
As for Art Tatum, everyone knows he is much better playing all by himself rather than in a group.
His accompanying on this CD is interesting and his solos are sometimes too much clashing in style with benny carters pure lyricism. But i completely recommend that you get the album "20th century piano genius" to hear how great Tatum is all by himself.
But anyway, buy this CD- this is amazing music! October 18, 2003

Benny Carter meets Art Tatum

This album presents a generous selection of music of considerable range and variety. The first cut surprisingly is a long Blues,with Tatum starting with several astonishing solo choruses.A few more blues follow, but I dont think this style shows either performer to best advantage-- one admires the technique, but unlike Bill Clinton, I dont feel their pain. Both musicians are at the top of their form.Benny Carter is one of the few who could stand up to Tatum and hold his own;each feels honor-bound to take the music to a higher level, and they succeed beautifully.This CD presents artistry that isnt heard from either one elsewhere.Its all here: drive,virtuosity,sensuality,creativity,and...the blues. March 25, 2000

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