The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 7

Before Norman Granz brought Art Tatum into the studio a half-dozen times in 1955-56 to record what would become known as the "Group Masterpieces," he brought the legendary pianist into the studio nearly a dozen times from 1953-55 to record what would become the eight CD volumes of the "Solo Masterpieces." (By the way, feel free to check out my reviews of Group Masterpieces Volumes 3, 4 & 6, and of the Boxed Set collecting all eight volumes.) Art Tatum is arguably the greatest pianist in the history of jazz, and the world owes a great debt to Mr. Granz for having the insight to document him in such variety and quantity. For those of you who are hesitating because this is a solo jazz recording, don't! Art has a style of playing flurries of notes, so that at any given time it sounds like a trio session. But don't get the wrong impression, Tatum is not merely a master technician, but a sensitive and sincere virtuoso. Another intimidating aspect of these "Masterpiece" volumes, whether it is the Group or Solo, is the shear number of them. I would suggest, as the Penguin Guide does, to start with this title, Volume 6, or Volume 4, but any one of them will do fine for they are all truly, modern piano masterpieces.