Search - Art Tatum :: Group Masterpieces 5

PERFECT mainstream jazz

Nikica Gilic | Zagreb, Croatia | 10/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Teaming up Art Tatum (p), Lionel Hampton (vb) and Harry Edison (tp) does seem like a good idea, but it wasn't without perrils;

Tatum could have swalled them with his gargantuan piano style; Edison could have remained too subdued, Hamp could have gotten lost in rhythmical showing off...



Nothing of the sort happened here. Aided by a notable group of artists - Barney Kessel (g), Red Callender (b) and Buddy Rich (dm) - these great musicians gave their best - Hamp was at his subtlest, Tatum proved that, in great company, he could be even an inspiring accompanist (in addition to all other things he does on this album), whereas Edison...

Well, old "Sweets" has really outdone himself on this album. Such a richness of emotions, dynamism, beauty of tone and timbre... Still emotional, but hard-driving, he found a match for Count Basie's orchestra, where he shared the spotlight with other giants (Young, Clayton, Wells...)...



A true masterpiece.



p.s.

Hamp takes a charming vocal on a longish and very inspiring "Verve Blues";. But check out how low-down Tatum gets on that song, not loosing his virtuoso touch!



"

Art, Hamp and Sweets Swing Hard

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 07/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Actually, if you're a lover of small group swing the entire Art Tatum Small Group Session set is a 5-star product. But this is my favorite and I would argue the best combo of all the sessions in this set. Nobody swings like Sweets Edison and Lionel Hampton, two big band veterans who also thrive in this small group setting complimented nicely by Tatum's magical mastery of the keyboard. The rest of the rhythm section if first rate too. Some blues, standard swing tunes and ballads make up this Norman Granz-produced 50's session. Highly recommended."