Mehmani Posted November 5, 2011 Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 5th November - the anniversary of Art Tatum's death. Almost completely blind, Art was a child prodigy who would copy songs he heard off the radio as a boy. It is often said that he heard recordings of two or three pianists playing at the same time but was able to play them back faultlessly; even making his own improvisations over them. He never played the same piece the same twice and improvised all his pieces as he played them. Arguably the greatest talent in piano and possessor of possibly the greatest instrumental technique of all time, Tatum's recordings are so good that after hearing one, Oscar Peterson refused to touch a piano for two weeks. Art Tatum was enormously respected and loved by the greats of the period, such as Fats Waller and James Johnson. Fats Waller declared Art Tatum "to be God", and that "I am unfit to play in his presence". Tatum's sense of harmony was years ahead of his time, and his style like no other. Rest In Peace, sir. You've earned it. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib_3iZHIaqA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib_3iZHIaqA[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxadblDT6zI"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxadblDT6zI[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tentacruel Posted November 5, 2011 Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 This is some fantastic music, but isn't this the wrong forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehmani Posted November 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPNV8621bX4[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apkgYw7QMhU[/media] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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