I find the polarization in opinion of Art Tatum's playing interesting, as there is a corollary amongst guitarists. It was either Basie or Ellington who uttered this quote about music: "It's not the notes you play....it's the ones you don't". Some listeners find Art's playing too busy, with not enough notes left unplayed, merely implied. Those listeners prefer a more economical, spare style of piano playing But amongst pianists, Art Tatum is viewed as others have already written here---the Master. That is because players are listening for technical proficiency above all else. It's very difficult to play as Art did, physically. It is for the same reason Buddy Rich is revered amongst drummers, not for his abilities at playing music, particularly.
Jimi Hendrix is to electric guitarists as Art Tatum is to pianists and Buddy Rich is to drummers. I, personally, find Hendrix's playing rather unmusical, with poor phrasing and obnoxious tone (like barbed wire being scraped!). But I am in a very small minority, while it appears Art's playing is disliked by a fair percentage of Audiogon's Jazz aficionados.
Bdp24, Technical chops are as you note a different criteria and just a portion of what makes a musician someone you love to hear. Buddy Rich is an excellent example, supreme virtuoso yet there are numerous other drummers I'd rather listen to as when playing with a group or jazz combo.
There's that all important emotional connection factor and certain players have that special ability or talent that goes straight to one's soul. Hard to describe but we know it when we hear it. I fully understand the accolades bestowed on Tatum from the many admiring pianists, perfectly understood. Yet at the end of the day I listen to T. Monk far more often than I do Art Tatum, despite the extraordinary chops and all. Charles,
Understood Charles, and completely agreed with. I find the lyricism in the playing of guitarist Ry Cooder much more musically relevant and satisfying than mere virtuosity. Too many musicians approach the playing of their instrument as if it were sport---the greater the number of notes and speed at which they are played, the "better" the musician. Taste, economy, and style are qualities impossible to quantify, and more appreciated as one gets older.
I loved Billy Taylor. He was a great pianist and he contributed greatly to jazz in NYC. He was a gentleman and an educator. I spent my musical formative years going to The Knickerbocker in the village to hear him. It was his home base and he was there most weekends. There was no cover charge and that was about what I could afford. Bradley's was just up the street and there were other clubs within a few blocks. He will always have a special place in my (musical) heart and music collection.
I love Bud Powell. I love Claude Williamson. I love Hampton Hawes. I love Brubeck. I love Art Tatum. I love George Shearing. I love Bill Evans. I love Tommy Flanagan. I love Phineas Newborn Jr. I love Ahmad Jamal.
None mentioned Carla Bley -- she's a true piano and band maestro and my favorite jazz pianist. I've got almost complete collection of first issues of Dave Brubeck; Adore Dollar Brand and certainly Chick Corea.
Through listening to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers I have discovered the greatness of Bobby Timmons. Not the best, but there are too many great ones to say "best."
+1 for Brad Mehldau, how about Esbjorn Svensson (EST), Aaron parks, Renee rosnes, Kenny Werner, Sam yahel (well, organ), wessell Anderson, craig taborn, mulgrew miller. Vijay iyer, Fred Hersch, Robert glasper, so so many!
I don't believe in "best" for musicians...it isn't a competitive sport, like baseball or football, swimming etc. But, I highly recommend Alfredo Rodriguez. Quincy Jones initially produced his first albums and now co-produces with Rodriguez. I saw him live in Boston last year or so and he was worth the ticket. He is young and lively. Hands are fast and his stuff is uptempo Latin Jazz.
For me it's Bill Evans. I get more joy from listening to Bill Evans' music than just about anyone in jazz. I love jazz piano, and really like Ahmad Jahmal, Red Garland, and Oscar Peterson to name a few.
I am always entranced when I play the Tatum Group pieces. My favorite are the Love for Sale concepts with Buddy Rich, and Lionel Hampton.
My favorites: Fats Waller, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Willie the Lion Smith, James P. Johnson, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Marian McPartland for deceased pianists. Bernd Lohtzky, Dick Hyman, Bill Charlap, Joe Sample for living pianists. B
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