"Sometimes he would be drinking a beer and it would only be his left hand, and you would never know the difference." Oh man Ray, you just made my day!

"The piano gots 88 keys and he ain't got nuthin but 10 fingers...' That says it all!

When we talk about ripping the piano, man it's Art Tatum, Oscar is more jazz/bebop style, He could strip down the piano too, I pretty much prefer his music, Art is the best solo pianist in jazz history!!!!!!! Long live jazz!!!!

@ronwilsontringue6574

2 ай бұрын

In YOUR opinion !!!

By a hair Tatum was more talented but Peterson spoke a language that resonates more with me. Peterson used more pedal and classical harmonization and had better touch.

Art Tatum was on another level . He was a mutant. Oscar was a close second. A very close second.

I would put Johnny Costa from Mister Rogers Neighborhood up there with those guys. The Most Underrated Jazz pianist in my book.

"Well that's right, you got it!" I love hearing Ray talk, and about Tatum, it doesn't get any better than that!!

Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson were phenomenal!

For me Oscar is a God but he stood on the shoulders of Art Tatum and was able to take it further. His sense of rhythm and phrasing and pure funkiness is unmatched by any pianist I've had the pleasure to hear. I'd love to have his brain while at the piano for just one day.

@rubengreenberg2253

6 жыл бұрын

I knew Ben Webster well. He played with both Tatum and Oscar Peterson; far more with Oscar, but placed Tatum well above the latter. "Mathematically, technically, and in terms of soul" were his exact words.

@ActuMoto

5 жыл бұрын

Where would you rank bill evans?

@nhaezer5121

6 күн бұрын

I was shocked when I first heard Tatum ​@@rubengreenberg2253

Nice to see Clint talking to a person and not an empty chair!

Anyone with ears can hear that Tatum is way ahead of Peterson in technique, ability and invention. Tatum's playing had a sublime quality that astounds. Professional pianists such as Rachmaninov acknowledged his genius. Tatum had great inventive musical thoughts and the ability to transfer them immediately to the piano.

@samuelpatton1828

4 жыл бұрын

When Oscar Peterson told his father that he wanted to be a full time musician his dad's response was that he would have to be better than Art Tatum. Peterson was in Canada at the time. Oscar became great but was never better than Tatum.

@julianjustin3455

2 жыл бұрын

@@samuelpatton1828 "better" ?

@craigbroadfoot1851

6 ай бұрын

@@samuelpatton1828Oscar Peterson has said in his own interviews that he never tried to copy Art Tatum, other than using a few runs. He had amazing technique in his own right and I personally relate to his playing more (I guess a more modern and bluesy sound with a great touch). Art Tatum was clearly a genius too, but I can only really listen to his playing in small doses!

Every couple of months I watch this video over and over. Blows my mind every time. How I wish I could make a living with my passion for jazz. Keep swinging the tunes gang.

"nobody plays the piano, god is in the house" Art Tatum ,what a treasure..thank you for posting this video Eeco

The piano can keep you entertained your entire life. Playing it is a great pastime.

Great story that Horowitz had arranged some stupidly difficult variations on Tea for Two. He called Tatum and asked him to come up so he could hear them. Tatum said incredible. Would you like to hear me play Tea For Two.. he then sat down and played Tea for Two until Horowitz stopped him and said when did you compose these.. Tatum said just now…

@dfranklin70. I agree. I would watch Mister Rogers just to hear the theme song. On one of the segments, John Costas, played some chords that was just crazy. Then sometimes he would be playing softly when Mister Rogers was talking, i would be at awe in how he was playing. So smooth. What a muscian.

I once read of a remark Fats Waller made when he walked into a nightclub and first heard Art Tatum playing. And he said, "I can play, but God is in the house tonight." I'm pretty sure that was a long before fans of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers started writing on walls in London that Clapton was God! lol

@burrencrawler

Жыл бұрын

Clapton was never God

Yes, it's "Yours is my heart alone" or "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" written by Franz Lehar from 1929 operetta "The land of smiles". Oscar has recorded this song on his "Affinity" trio album. Hope I was of some help...

Right!!! KZread its an incredible progress for culture

I agree with you,because Oscar has just that bit extra in terms of touch and sensitivity,and harmony,and accuracy.Oscar Peterson is a cross between Art Tatum and Nat King Cole rolled into one player.

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

Tatum's harmonic understanding was deeper than Peterson's. Oscar agrees, as does Oscar's protege Benny Green.

@MrMachoman47

2 жыл бұрын

@@wilsargisson3626 You dont have to try and dispute the opinion of everyone here who prefers Oscar...

Love them both! Ray was very in awe of Oscar and vice versa - no quarrels as far as they were concerned. I can say that Ray was the better because of his beautiful voice - and that may very well be - doesn't matter - these guys played together and loved each-other.

I love Art's playing because it incorporates some really cool sounding classical stuff among the jazz. He's kindof like a mixture of Peterson and Horowitz!

tatum and peterson are my two favorite pianist of that time period.hiromi definatly tarkes a lot of influence after both.people should critisizing her,i think oscar and art would both really enjoy her music.i sure do

IMO no one had Tatums speed and precision no one

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

His articulation and harmonic palette were also in a league of their own

@MokgatlaNakedi-ki2wr

2 ай бұрын

I once read Oscar's comments re: Art Tatum's ability and talent, and I would say you're spot on. Greetings from S A. Cheers.. .

Wow. Just wow. Both of them were two of the greatest ever.

i cant believe it, no matter how many times i hear it, thx for the upload

i thank god that he supplied the world with so many great musicians. there is a lot of darkness in this world, but music provides a great deal of light.

the most influential piano/musician. Jazz, classical and everything in between. Everyone secretly takes from him one way or another. Its like Tatum was alien craft that crashed to earth.All we have to do is take it apart, analyze it and then replicate or create variations. He did all the work. Lets put it this way, Einstein is the Tatum of physics !

Tatum vs. Peterson? Any comparison is unfair to both of these geniuses. For my tastes, Tatum is my favorite solo pianist and Oscar is my favorite trio pianist. When you're talking piano, there's these two guys and then, when the dust clears, there's everyone else.

George Gershwin was the one who wrote I Got Rhythm, but Tatum definitely made it his own.

@susanbloodgood3572

3 жыл бұрын

Gershwin didn’t have the technique of some other players but His sound/ timber was fantastic, I have His American in Paris that they got from the old player piano and He sounds like a full orchestra

Ray Charles and Clint Eastwood talking about Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson - God I love KZread!!!

Oscar is 1 of the greatest jazz pianists in history & my personal favorite. But Tatum was the only pianist who could "intimidate" Oscar. In his own words: "Tatum scared me to death" and Peterson was "never cocky again" about his mastery at the piano. Tatum was a model for Peterson's musicianship during the 1940s and 1950s. Tatum and Peterson eventually became good friends, although Peterson was always shy about being compared with Tatum and rarely played the piano in Tatum's presence.

I agree. Now that was the soul-meister! Just tremendous...what joy.

They should've p;layed Tatums Tiger Rag---the piece they feature here ois good but Tatum isnt even out of 1st gear in this video compared to what he could actually do/how virtoustic he could play.

Are we comparing or arguing? Does it truly make a difference in the realm of greatness? God has a lesson for all of us in these two beyond -the -imagination artists. For me, at least, it is that The Spirit selects its home where ego leaves the room. These two souls were blessed and knew it. Their greatness beyond human attempt emerged as music from a higher place. Their human limits were kindly replaced by Divine gifts meant to be shared. And both Art and Oscar wore their gifts with humility.

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

Well, Oscar did say that his trio was unequivocally the best trio in all of jazz. Possibly an accurate statement, but not especially humble. Tatum is reputed to have said that he wished there could be a massive piano concert at Madison Square Garden that featured all of the top jazz pianists in the world, so that he could show once and for all that he was the undisputed king.

When I listen to Art Tatum I have the feeling that the melodies that appeal to a musical layman like me bore him. The true test of an musician is what other musicians say about you, and for Art Tatum I hear nothing but praise.

Markmark, when it comes to technique you can't argue with the professionsals. When Peterson first heard Tatum, he thought two were playing & was so frustrated he temporarily gave up! Liszt played Chopin's finger twisting Op.10 etudes at first sight in front of the composer. Chopin immediately wrote a letter stating he'd like to steal Liszt's technique!

His ability to play from memory complex pieces of music after hearing the music once would infer that he may have had a photographic memory. Whether that's true or not, he had exceptional memory, way beyond the norm. But there are many fascinating things about Tatum. Unfortunately we don't have the opportunity to probe his mind.

These fingers are unbelievable,awesome... with one word: great!!!

It's on DVD "Trio concert in London"

These 2 men could flat out play a piano, no need to argue who was better, they both could tear a piano up.

I'm glad Clint isn't talking to an empty bench

OP said "Someone asked me, 'do you know Tatum'? I replied, 'yes, he calls me son.'"

Tatum's out of this world.

Both are genius. but i think tatum edges it on left hand technique and imagination.

OF Course Peterson is...absolutely astounding..! But Tatum is beyond explanation ...either you hear it or you don't and if you don't...close the book..the story is over!

Good for you! Go for it.Oscar Peterson is a Master. SO IS THIS PIANIST WHO WAS A FAMILY FAVORITE AND FRIEND: ERROL GARNER. You might enjoy this KZread video: Errol Garner "I get a kick out of you" and Errol Garner plays Fly Me to the Moon. Fabulous. Then try this Hammond B-3 organist: Jimmy Smith - St. Thomas (Live 1992). SHEER HEAVEN!!! Really, these men are masters and their music will return. Shalom.

Art Tatum said if he ever took up Classical Piano he would sound like Horowitz.

As a pianist myself, I have noticed that although fantastic Art Tatum played PIECES, which he carefully did arrangements. If you listen to him playing a song is almost identical to any of his renditions of the same music. They have the same form, chords and all. He had an ouststanding memory, and could memorize all his renditions. Dihelson Mendonça

As for piano playing, Liszt was a concert pianist. Chopin was not. He was too weak to produce reasonable tone. Tatum communicated new ideas on the piano. It is only the deaf that can compare Peterson to Tatum in performance. Tatum's jazz piano playing was revolutionary and has never been equalled.

he recorded "Sweet Lorraine" 23 times and i have the transcriptions. They are VERY different.

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

Different keys, too. Seemed keys didn't matter to him. One transcription I have is in Gb.

P.S. Sound waves is what you HEAR, but the SPRIT is what you feel with the RIGHT music that can make you cry, dance, shout, etc. When music is from the DIVINE, it has MASS appeal, hence the prominence of black music. Listen to Gladys Knight as she sang to Dancing with the Starts competitors, here on KZread: Gladys Knight sings on Dancing with the Stars. This lady got the emotions flowing, unlike Barbra Streisand when she sang her classic song. Shalom.

So glad you liked my parting shot! It was, perhaps,divinely inspired humor. Interesting description of Satan you give. A little too much personal resonance tho. I have thought that if i had been disfigured somehow, i might have become much better piano player. But now I am turning old and ugly,& that might work too. Oi weh. What a cynic I am. I have to admit, sometimes i play way beyond what "i know", transcending what i should be able to play given how little i practice.Peace 2 you,my brother.

You might enjoy this KZread video of Ray Charles and Oscar PETERSON playing together and thoroughly enjoying each other: Ray Charles & Oscar Peterson Play a Blues Duet - Very Rare. GOD IS GOOD! HALLELUYAH!

Of course I like Art Tatum as well as Oscar Peterson... But not rarely the abundance of notes flabbergasts me. That's why, by-the-side of my heart's pianist, Errol Garner, I have considered Bud Powell, without forget Red Galand, Hank Jones, Tommy Flanigam and the olders like James P. Johnson and Earl Hines. Bill Evans and George Shearing are also separated cases for me... And Basie... He was unique as a band pianist. Individualy, not too much! But this is just a essay... There are many others!

i think, this is 'humoresca' by A Dvorzhak.

That however wasn't the case when Oscar was playing with Nat King Cole. Too many notes and not enough space. He wasn't always the most sensitve accompanist.

"I only play the piano, but tonight God is in the house."~Fats Waller IIf Art Tatum ever took up classical piano, Horowitz would quit the next day. With his fast hands, if he ever went into martial arts, Chuck Norris would quite the next minute.

Haha of course it was! Thank you very much you beautiful man.

Love 'em both. Another pianist who could pull off the Super-Waller double time stride that Art and Oscar excelled at was Jaki Byard.

Listening to Tatum there one can really here the connections from Hines and Waller and what would lead to the two later greats Erroll Garner And Oscar. Art seems to have been a crucial step in between-oh we better not forget Bud Powell as well.

clint eastwood probably found this clip in his old movie collection.

They are all One Of A Kind!

what is the name of the song Oscar Peterson is playing?

i've got that cut of 'humeresque' on an album called '52nd street-swing street'-think he also did 'tea for two' on that album-of course oscar peterson is something else! they both overpower the piano.

As above, so BELOW. There is just too much Hebrew music and set-apartness to delve into. Yes, we FEEL the music because it's A SPIRITUAL manifestation. Truly, LIFE is the BEST movie running, produced and directed by the MASTER movie director. Beyond the music and sports, the Most High is true to His/Her word as prophesied. I used to wonder why American black music was so influential since ALL cultures have music. It's clear NOW. Wow! LIFE= BEST MOVIE RUNNING, PLAYING IN REAL TIME.

@harveyardman Hiromi is a beast and definitely deserves to be mentioned here (among these speed freaks.)

❤❤

@oscarandgroucho Bud was my favourite trio pianist.

Art Tatum was blind... he played like a genius... and he was a genius..!!!!!!!! Not taking anything away from the others... Oscar P., Erroll G, and many other were also great...!!!

Che bravi...... immensi !!!

Congratulations! Daniel!!

I am sitting in the dessert, but KZread makes my Live better!

Theirs is MY HEART ALONE.! Bravo. TY dansgirls3 for posting.

Nobody is in Art Tatums league and it seems that nobody ever will !

Achievement Unlocked : "Gospel Truth!"

also...Bill Evans...Keith Jarrett...Chick Corea anyone?

Tatum far greater

Does anyone know what song Peterson is playing at the end? Thank you!

Probably true, but they're BOTH great. There can be @ least (2) great pianists, but there are many more. Erroll Garner is my personal favorite

thanks I've been wanting to know that since I was in high school...about 10 years

@timothykring4772

5 жыл бұрын

That's a long time to spend in high school--but keep trying, you'll finally graduate. Never give up.

@none5020

5 жыл бұрын

@@timothykring4772 I think they mean that it has been 10 years since they've been in high school.

@timothykring4772

5 жыл бұрын

@@none5020 Yeah Andrew, I know... I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a joke....

Laugh and ridicule .................but if you are a pianist..then and then only can you appreciate the dexterity of Art Tatum! He played almost beyond human capability....so keep laughing little kids here wet behing the ears.........and grow up...and try to play like him! Impossible. And, Oscar Petersen was a genius, as well. You cant compare Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea..as they played different styles..how foolish to compare any artist to any other artist!!!

@vt2788

7 жыл бұрын

Wow f *ff

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

It's not foolish to compare artists. Bobby McFerrin is an immeasurably more talented singer than Bob Dylan.

Fully blind in one eye, partially blind in the other. He would have to squint with the partially blind eye so his eyes were of no use to his playing. It seems however that he was blessed with a photographic memory.

Belo documentário! Oswaldo Oleari

Dang. I gotta go practice.☺

what song is oscar peterson playing? thanks

Greatest paino player by far!!!~

which song was oscar peterson playing?

I agree! Fats Waller was actually right. Do you know that Michael Jordan's name in Hebrew means "one like God who has descended (to Earth)?" Since it's becoming known in 2012 that the African-Americans from trans-Atlantic slave trade were actually the final dispersion of Jews from the Bible away from Israel (OFF the continent of Africa). Now I understand the MASS appeal of Jazz, Blues, Rock-n-Roll (even though much lesser, RAP). I just learned there are little black men (5'3-5'7")in NBA. Wow.

@roos08824 It's really objective because each could do things the other couldn't. Peterson had a much wider tempo and dynamic range and definitely swung harder than just about any other jazz pianist. Peterson also could get any sonority he wanted out of the piano just as the best concert pianists could. I think it's undeniable that Peterson had nowhere near Art Tatum's harmonic sense. Basically Peterson's interest was the piano while Tatums was the music.

Great video, really enjoyed it! Do you know the song Oscar Peterson is playing at 3:55?

@wilsargisson3626

4 жыл бұрын

Yours Is My Heart Alone

anybody know what's happening technically with the sound on Oscar's part ... is it out of phase or something? Just curious he still sounds incredible. Isn't as noticeable to me on Art Tatum's part.

uh.....no. Clint is a very fine jazz pianist in his own right and his knowledge is immense. he is not just a "fan". the guy can play and he is a pretty damn good composer in his own right.

2:40 = This video in one sentence.

I would love to know the name of the song Oscar was playing.

tatums hands are freakishly huge....god....guaranteed he could hit 12ths ...enough to make any aspiring piano player jealous

im still having a hard time playing this on rhodes.

Markmark, I'm talking of technique ie advancing the boundaries of jazz piano. In that respect, Tatum was way ahead of Peterson. Any professional would be able to tell the difference. It is like comparing Liszt - the author of modern classical piano technique - to Chopin!

the levels of dirty oscar peterson ensues are beyond levels of aliens

@vetmusician I'm surprised to read your comment. You are unaware of Clint Eastwood's affection for and his affinity for jazz music and jazz musicians. He knows a lot more than you realize.