I love Art Tatum
I own all 8 Pablo Solo Masterpiece CDs and consider those discs to contain the standard against which all other Tatum recordings should be measured against. The setting, recording, pacing, arrangements, playing; everything about those is absolutely priceless, pristine & perfect.

This 2 CD set of material from private parties is a wonderful artifact to have also. It's lovely to be able to hear Tatum in this setting even though slighly less than ideal. His ideas are brilliant as always.

I would not suggest "20th Century Piano Genius" as the CD to start with if you are new to Tatum or don't yet have any of the Pablo series. But it is a great addition to the recorded legacy of Art Tatum's beautiful genius.

Genius indeed
Well, DG, it's always good to spark a discussion. Tatum's playing is very intricate and dense with notes; it is not a cool, swinging sound. I think it is beyond dispute that Tatum was one of the most technically proficient pianists who ever lived. The question is then, does all that staggering virtuosity serve a purpose? For some, hearing somebody play what almost nobody else can play is enough to justify the purchase. For others, myself included, it is beautiful music as well. For me that is an intuitive reaction-- it sounds musical and organic to me, but I am not trained to understand structural and harmonic nuance. I think DG represents a small minority of people who believe that Tatum's playing is not sophisticated or musically nuanced. I would not want a steady diet of this, but on the right day it is perfect.

Piano Genius
This is a great album. I loved his two versions of Someone to watch over me and Over the Rainbow as these are two of my favorite songs.

The magnificent reach
In my jazz- listening days many years ago I came upon the work of Art Tatum, and was captivated by it. I simply felt it was the best. He played with such sweep and such lyrical freedom. The great standard numbers did not lose their identity in his playing but rather were expanded and enhanced. The sweep of the playing and the great feeling of joy and freedom it gave remain in my mind.
What great music this man made.

Hey Reviewer DG Your'e A PUTZ
Trancendent.The Greatest Document Of Improvised(whether semi Prepared or not)Pianism(I.E.The Piano{for the Dunderheads}of the 20th Century.Period!DG,stick to your video game reviews!