Art Tatum-Improvisations is a clever and completely appropriate bit of artist and repertoire marketing. Art Tatum (1909-1956) possessed perhaps the most complete and thorough knowledge of the Great American Songbook (and traditional classical music) and the most commanding piano technique of any American jazz artist. Anecdotal stories of his near-supernatural playing abound. With Art Tatum-Improvisations, the focus is not on the artist's original compositions, but his interpretations of other's compositions. This approach correctly casts improvisation as composition in real time, giving improvisation equal billing with composition.

Tracklist:

Improvisation on Tea for Two, for piano (after Youmans & Caesar)
Improvisation on St. Louis Blues, for piano (after Handy)
Improvisation on Tiger Rag, for piano (after La Rocha, De Costa
Improvisation on Aunt Hagar's Blues, for piano (after Handy & Br
Improvisation on Humoresque, for piano (after Dvorak)
Improvisation on Sweet Lorraine, for piano (after Burwell & Pari
Improvisation on Get Happy, for piano (after Arlen & Koehler)
Improvisation on The Jitterbug Waltz, for piano (after Waller)
Tatum Pole Boogie, for piano
Improvisation on Cherokee, for piano (after Noble & Davis Jr.)
Improvisation on Lover, Come Back to Me!, for piano (after Rombe
Elegie, improvisation after Massenet, for piano
Improvisation on Hallelujah, for piano (after Youmans, Robin & G
Improvisation on Willow Weep For Me, for piano (after Ronell)
Improvisation on Emaline, for piano (after Parish & Perkins)
Improvisation on Yesterdays, for piano (after Harbach & Kern)
Improvisation on I Know that You Know, for piano (after Youmans,

UPC: 636943913024
Label: Naxos American
Release Date: 10.19.04
Format: CD

Steven Mayer - Improvisations (CD)