Art Tatum

Definition

Art Tatum was an influential American jazz pianist known for his extraordinary technical skill, complex harmonies, and innovative improvisation. His playing style had a profound impact on the development of jazz and particularly bebop, as he pushed the boundaries of harmonic complexity and rhythm. Tatum's ability to blend intricate melodies with lush chords set a high standard for future jazz musicians and inspired generations of pianists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Art Tatum was born on October 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio, and began playing piano at a young age, displaying prodigious talent early on.
2. He was known for his use of advanced harmonic concepts, such as altered chords and substitutions, which influenced the bebop movement that followed.
3. Tatum's recordings during the 1930s showcased his ability to improvise effortlessly over complex chord changes, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest pianists in jazz history.
4. Despite his incredible technical skill, Tatum was also celebrated for his emotional depth and musicality, often blending classical influences with jazz elements.
5. His collaborations with other jazz legends, including Ella Fitzgerald and Lionel Hampton, helped solidify his position as a central figure in the jazz world.

Review Questions

• How did Art Tatum's innovative techniques influence the evolution of bebop?
  • Art Tatum's innovative techniques significantly influenced the evolution of bebop by introducing complex harmonic structures and intricate improvisation that became foundational to the style. His approach to jazz piano included advanced chord substitutions and rhythmic variations that challenged conventional practices. These innovations inspired bebop musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to explore greater musical complexity and expressiveness in their compositions and performances.
• Discuss the relationship between Art Tatum's stride piano style and the development of modern jazz techniques.
  • Art Tatum's stride piano style laid the groundwork for many modern jazz techniques by emphasizing both rhythmic drive and melodic sophistication. His left-hand technique involved jumping between bass notes and chords, creating a rich harmonic texture that became influential in subsequent jazz piano styles. As bebop developed in the 1940s, many pianists adopted aspects of Tatum's stride approach while incorporating new improvisational techniques that further expanded the possibilities of jazz music.
• Evaluate Art Tatum's impact on future generations of jazz musicians and how his legacy continues to shape the genre today.
  • Art Tatum's impact on future generations of jazz musicians is immense, as his technical prowess and harmonic creativity set a benchmark for excellence in jazz piano. His innovative playing not only influenced pianists but also encouraged composers and arrangers to push the boundaries of jazz standards. Today, Tatum's legacy is evident in the work of contemporary jazz musicians who draw inspiration from his recordings, showcasing his lasting influence on the genre's evolution and its ongoing pursuit of creativity and musical exploration.

Related terms

Bebop: A style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s characterized by fast tempos, complex chord progressions, and a focus on improvisation.

Stride Piano: A jazz piano style that involves a left-hand technique of alternating bass notes with chords, popularized by pianists like Tatum in the 1920s.

Jazz Standards: Musical compositions that are widely known, performed, and recorded within the jazz genre, often serving as a basis for improvisation.