Tea for Two Comparison (Peterson, Costa, Tatum)

[@chillin88STYLE]

Do you guys understand we're literally listening to three aliens showing what they do in their worlds, and the most beautiful thing about it all is they were all fans of each other never competition

[@daveluttinen2547]

Interesting that aliens also use a 12-tone system like we do. :) These three are not of our world, are they? Wonderful gifts they were given.

[@seekbasalisk7479]

I wish the word "literally" we're better utilized. Maybe even underutilized. But thank you for glorifying support. I agree that competition is unnecessary. It is a wholly unnecessary ingredient. I am beginning to think under-utilized minds regal in the glory of it.

[@erikbrodin2198]

Tea for three, am I right? But alien tea. Probably tastes like glowing.

[@erikbrodin2198]

I don't think the perspective of some inane concept of competition between the three, literal or implied, has anything to do with this video.

[@Michele49]

Respect

[@edwardpritchard1782]

I played two jobs with John. The first featured lots of two chorus medleys, John first then me. He put the keys in the cracks. About half way through the gig I held up my trumpet, pointed to the valves and said, "John, I've only got three of these." He smiled, took it easier on me and used me on another gig. I think of him often with fondness and great respect .

[@jmer9126]

Wowza! Thank you for this

[@cldavis33]

White - that's probably right. Sadly.

[@cldavis33]

8:11 - Has ANYONE EVER heard anything like this line in jazz history? How is Costa not more known?!?!?!?!?

[@timelwell7002]

Strangely, I've never even heard of Jonny Costa until today, 16th October, 2022. Considering my love for jazz goes back for more than 4 decades, I don't understand why this amazingly talented player isn't more widely known. It is especially odd because I myself play jazz piano, and I have a greater familiarity than most of jazz pianists from all around the world and in many styles and from many eras. Thank you so much Rufus, for posting this.

[@lyrics0000]

Tim, I feel the same way. I've never heard of him til today. And I have Billy Taylor's 'jazz piano' book which to me is the definitive book on jazz piano. I don't think Costa was ever mentioned in it. I wonder why...

[@scoville7707]

He was supposedly referred to as “The White Art Tatum” by Tatum himself, so apparently he had a reputation! But yea, he was always just “The Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Guy” to me too until adulthood…strange.

[@reemalin]

If this is Johnny Costa he was the pianist from Mr Rogers Neighborhood. Unfortunately jazz is like my other love, boxing, too complex and intelligent for the low IQ masses that prefer Springsteen and the Beastie Boys. Even the trivia community of which I am a part (I was a former contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with ambitions of getting on Jeopardy) pays short shrift to the American songbook let alone the giants of Jazz. To me, even as an MIT alumni, Music in general and Jazz in particular is up there with Math and Languages as extremely high level mental activity

[@anniczumpf2713]

Oszkár egy geniusz

[@cldavis33]

Johnny Costa - My new favorite to research. He is stunning.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Art is supreme. Just listen to the left hand development in Art's version. His harmonies are insane. And this is actually the simplest version of T42 I have heard Art play.

[@MrAristaeus]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@robbes7rh]

The other 2 guys here are no slouches either, but hearing Art’s version last leaves little doubt about Art’s artistry and mastery stands alone. His version was the shortest of the three and taken from a scratchy old record to boot. Yet I say he delivered a gem of such exquisite musicality - the way he connects phrases, and throws in all manner of variety in a smooth seamless gesture - that he is unmatched, perhaps for all time since there’s not likely to be ever again an era like the 20th century where jazz was indisputably the champion of musical style and the piano its greatest proponent.

[@wolfliou3678]

That's it.

[@jeffreycraven8154]

If you or I had been popped out in the 1901 and walked up to Art and said: "I please want to hear you play "My Melancoly Baby". RIP Jennifer, still love you like 1940, The London Blitz destroyed my beautiful wife,60 years later. I saw a recovery on film from the embers. of London. Jen you were "To Marvelous for Words", and you wrote your last letter I received quoting this song. Tommy and Kelly though I'm 63 this life, I remember my two offsprings born in the late 20s and early 30's. I want to hug my children though they're about 30 years older than me now. Duty upon the HMS Thunderbolt as an officer, well we went to the bottom in 1943, all hands on board. Love to Tommy and Kelly, my children. We squids served, it was an honor, but the anquish in our personal lives, undescribable anquish especaillly when we lost those who'd we give everything, even our souls if our Lord approved.

[@jimhendricks88]

It's tough to compare three of the complete giants in jazz piano history. This recording aside and looking at whole careers, I think Oscar did the most in terms of total output and had the strongest swing. Tatum was possible the most natural talent of the three and maybe the pioneer, especially harmonically (and some technique things). Costa (I say this with some reservation) probably had the best touch, control, and most refined technique of the three. But boy, all three of them were giants and I love all of them. If I was stuck on a desert Island and could the complete recordings of only one of these three with me, I would take Oscar's collection. Thanks for the post! Blessings to you : )

[@melodicharmony9772]

Agreed! I fell in love with Cost after realizing he was the pianist from Mr. Rogers!

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

They are all great. But they are not Liberace!!!!!!

[@josephgraif2588]

with all due respect, liberace was classically trained and never displayed a "feel" for jazz as do these three. don't get me wrong. "lee" was a great talent, just not in this genre.

[@josephgraif2588]

thank you for your considered comments. for me, what sets costa apart, was his incredible ability to "cue" the action of "mister rogers neighborhood", day after day, LIVE to video tape, playing both the piano and celesta. back in the day, many theatre organists were quite adept at cueing silent films. today, it is nearly a lost art. costa was a genius.

[@BrassicaRappa]

You just gotta get out of the mindset of competition. You don't compare to decide which one is "best." Each one gives you context to appreciate the other, and vice versa.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Should have added Nat King Cole's version. Most people today remember him as a singer. But he was also an awesome jazz pianist. A true double threat as they say in baseball.

[@b9court]

2 Versions by Nat King Cole -kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXSolHeee5d_idE

[@ChristianBurrola]

Phrasing: Tatum Texture: Costa Groove: Peterson

[@darrylrevok9936]

The 3 gods of jazz. BTW, really incredible description of their 3 playing styles.

[@alexmourett]

That's the order. Without Tatum there would be no Costa and no Peterson.

[@augustomarchand]

@@alexmourett Peterson's right hand e Peterson's left hand strongestly disagree this statement. In the 70's Peterson achieved untoucheble level in the Jazz piano dominance.

[@Araconox]

I listened to all three tonight , twice. Although I have been an Oscar Peterson fan for 50 years , and Art Tatum has set a standard that may not be surpassed, I am really blown away by Costa. His technical ability and virtuosity , clarity of sound , interpretation of the piece and the nuances and surprising melodic riffs he applies to Tea For Two are almost otherworldly. One gets the feeling that there is really no limit at the innovation and sheer genius that this man gave to the world.

[@davidlehman9149]

Art Tatum is capable of the greatest speed, fastest change of tempi, and the illusion that a whole orchestra is coming ouit of his two hands. Ther other two are terrific, too.

[@Art1611]

They're all great, but, to me, Costa's was absolutely mind-blowing; as if the only way he expresses himself, his thoughts and emotions, is by playing is just beautiful music. As if he can't speak nor communicate but by piano, and everything he says is amazing music. There's a little world in Costa's playing, and it's beautiful. I could listen to this for hours. This is no competition; Tatum and Costa were friends, and Tatum admired Costa so much, to the point that he called him the "white Tatum!" Haha amazing! Imagine that! Just enjoy three wonderful interpretations! They're as individual as every man on earth.

[@tw69hands2]

Johnny Costa was amazing on Mister Roger's Neighborhood.

[@hrundibakshi6830]

#1 Costa, #2 Tatum #3 Peterson ...and I'm a huge Oscar Peterson fan!

[@Santosificationable]

I actually find Costa's interpretation to be very different to both Tatum's and Peterson's. You can certainly hear the French influence in his playing - impressionistic nuance, as well as a preference for a soft, graceful touch. Tatum used impressionist harmonies a lot too, but I don't think he played in a particularly Debussy-like manner.

[@nymbusDeveloper86]

@Numa, your evaluation is correct. Although Tatum's version presented here is not his best take on Tea for Two. There are better versions out there. And Peterson could play it in a much more sophisticated way if he really wanted. Tatum however set the pace for everyone. Both Peterson and Costa tried to emulate him to some extend, although in their own original ways.

[@landolphe]

Astounding versions, all three! Tatum, of course, was in another world altogether.

[@johnholloway2445]

mom played at lyon healys in chicago 35 cent an hour so much music in chicago at the time, wonderful times..... everyone was alive then

[@jbrownbyu]

Such an excellent video! To my ears, Peterson swings with finesse, Costa uses more modern sounds, and Tatum is the technical virtuoso. Great to listen to each one side by side!

[@jbrownbyu]

12:06-12:14 The end of Art's. Just masterful.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Wow each one is completely amazing I love the chromatic side slipping on skies that tatum does to the melody twice at least; very brief little chromatic modulations where he just pushes the whole frame of tonal reference up a half step a couple of times just arbitrarily but dosent maintain the modulations because he continues in the original key. But at the end of the day the day all 3 are more traditional i.e. diatonic harmonically than Bill Evans would've been. Costas is fascinating in the treble part of the piano a real set of variations he presrnted.

[@karlsonkab51]

wonderful to hear Costa's genius as he's the lesser known (by name)

[@bobcoard6691]

I was about a year old when this was recorded, but I'm so glad that my dad was a fan. I've spent the last 70 years in awe of piano giants who can do things I can't, but they give me such pleasure

[@gingervytis]

I have lots of OP and AT, but never knew of Costa. Thanks for posting this labor of love.

[@chrisSkordPiano]

Music is not for comparison they all put their hearts into it and that’s what matters

[@MikeSulman]

Art Tatum is still supreme; but Johnny Costa is amazing!

[@ciararespect4296]

Different really not better or worse

[@dancelli714]

In the 1980's in a used record bin I found a 10" Lp. I was a fan of pianist Eddie Costa and I knew Don Costa was an accomplish Orchestra leader so I thought here is another Costa (Johnny) how could it be so bad so I bought ($1,50) the Lp. When I got home and played the Savoy recording I was pleased. So I bought up all his recordings he did in the 90's and with the earbuds in place I got a thrill out of hearing him in stereo, what a great musical find that day !

[@MrBobaloo22]

All three of these are SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD!!! If you play piano well, you realize how amazingly talented these three are, and how amazingly difficult it is to play anywhere near this well!!!!

[@username_62kcs9el0]

What's insane is that all of this is made up on the fly. It's all improvisation!

[@dakman8485]

As a pianist myself I am of course impressed with them all, but particularly with Johnny Costa who really takes the whole improvisational thing to a new level. His riffs are the most complex of the three.

[@dylanmcgaharn5676]

Peterson and Tatum were both very capable of very complex riffs (not just in terms of speed). Just because they maybe didn't showcase it here doesn't mean they're not just as good if not better

[@AsrielKujo]

@@dylanmcgaharn5676 and he didn't say that Costa is a better player than both

[@fauziaissaka4368]

@@AsrielKujo actually he kind of did

[@fauziaissaka4368]

There's no way to say that one of the three is better or plays more complex stuff. It depends on what day you hear them. It's subjective. Depends on which one does more for you personally. Hey is Costa the guy who was pianist for Mr. Rogers neighborhood?

[@fauziaissaka4368]

For example they are each three of the greatest who ever played but as far as who I enjoy listening to more I'll take Ahmad Jamal. That's just me.

[@joey7wps]

Great and beautiful renditions; the three of them have done so different and beautiful on his own!! OP is tempo & fluid rhythm, technique and pretty organized improvisation. Costa is classy and exposing a variety of moods within a pretty poetic structuring of great beauty (Expressionist??). Tatum is the bonding agent among the three, leading with his primal improvisational style, technique & musical caste. This music is the most beautiful art in America...True "American Dream", only possible in America, where freedom and ascending to excellence isn't prevented by races, colors, social class.... America is inspiration: for liberty, for art and well-being; these three are a great example!!! Leave them in the same order; they are GREAT!!

[@DenisUspeshny]

That Costa dude just nailed it. did it total justice. can't improve on it.

[@nymbusDeveloper86]

Yes, he completely destroyed the keyboard. Insane.

[@robgeenumberone]

I remember way back channel surfing with my young son and we came upon Mr Rogers show. We started watching and my son immediately connected with Fred Rogers.However, I'm hearing these incredible jazzy interludes taking place and I thought, this is no ordinary run-of-the-mill background music. Knowing my son was in good hands with Fred Rogers, my focus was squarely on the incredible talent of Johnny Costa. As I followed the show for years after my son had moved on to other programming, the more mesmerized I became with JC. The episodes where he and his trio were front and centre were a special treat. It still boggles my mind that this kid's show had in its grasp one of the greatest jazz musicians ever. A man who deservedly resided in the rarified air of Oscar and Art.

[@petergallay2900]

The best (only?) jazz on television for years -- the last 40 seconds of Mr Rogers, when Costa took off on the theme song. Always different, always swinging, always beautiful. Tuned in every day just to the last 40.

[@Michele49]

Have you ever heard music of this genre that could compare to this performance? How amazing, the skill plus spirit creates a new height in musical expression.

[@cldavis33]

OMG seriously, I haven't heard Costa until tonight. I am more than blown away by his playing. He is classically trained, I don't even need to google that. What an insane player!!!!!!

[@mishoren]

Thanks for this interesting upload. Johnny Costa was unknown to me until now, but he certainly deserves his place among the other two.

[@hadrianthewaller1616]

3 brilliant musicians. Great to be just excellent and non competitive. Thanks.

[@emtube9298]

Thanks heaps for the dose of Johnny Costa. A fantastic player and inventive interpreter, I used to see him on KDKA TV every morning as a kid, and never realized what a rare performer he was until much later when I started listening to Jazz pianists more widely. If he hadn't been so allergic to touring, he'd have become truly famous, but loved to stay in Pittsburgh with his family, which was great for us in Pgh (and for Fred Rogers), but sorry for the rest of the world's Jazz fans, who missed out. Listening to Johnny & Art side by side shows what a big influence he was on Johnny --- very enlightening! Thanks again!

[@GreenTacoHat]

I am stuck with this. I can't stop replaying it

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

Three masters of the instrument. Oscar's version is easily my favourite. Intricate lines, and never once loses that swing.

[@WildBillCox13]

So much fun. I'm a player, so this is like listening in on angels talking. A real pleasure.

[@helmut4lyfe]

It's a shame how under appreciated Johnny Costa is. 100% pure genius

[@alexanderant11]

Agreed

[@sergiosaucedo5834]

Well Im sure many generations of children got to really enjoy Johnny Costa!

[@mr.shepherdspie7958]

@@sergiosaucedo5834 oh I still love John Costa

[@darrylrevok9936]

Personally I think it was Tatum who was the most underappreciated. Costa got recognition from Mr. Rogers, Oscar Peterson was Tatum's protege and achieved considerable financial & mainstream (jazz) success. (I believe Oscar hold the world record for most number of commercial recordings) Tatum was a pioneer, innovate & influencer. IMO he was about 10-15 years ahead of his time. I think there were a lot of jazz fans who couldn't fully appreciate his playing simply because their ears weren't accustomed to other wordly style. Tatum was like a machine. He was almost TOO good. Pure perfection. "tatum" is actually a musical term. "In 1993, an MIT student in the field of computational musicology coined the term "tatum", which was named in recognition of the pianist's speed. It has been defined as "the smallest time interval between successive notes in a rhythmic phrase", and "the fastest pulse present in a piece of music". Tatum's potential wasn't truly & fully appreciated until decades after his death. (like Bach, whose brilliance went unrecognized while he was alive, and wasn't fully appreciated until 2 centuries after his death) I don't think Tatum was as unappreciated while he was alive, as Bach was, but Tatum was definitely the most unappreciated of the 3 jazz gods. (Tatum, Costa, Peterson)

[@matthewb9955]

I like to make sure I always over appreciate him to balance the odds.

[@ijohnny.]

Once Art goes into his swing thing it's all over for the other two, and all other pianists, great as they are. Costa's classical, or even third stream approach is hypnotic, and the variations stunning. Wonderful video, thanks much.

[@ivettecopeliovitch2021]

Os 3 são de um outro mundo! Incríveis! Não sei como o mr Rogers escondeu o Costa tão bem...

[@ciararespect4296]

All other pianists? He would be nowhere near like Liszt or modern day marc andre hamelin. Volodos cziffra sokolov etc in classical

[@nr-ke8qj]

@@ciararespect4296your right he is nowhere near them in piano ability. tatum is way better then them

[@1959rui1]

All in a diferente style. I think all three are played by a three piano genius.

[@barracuda7018]

The best comment ... They all have different styles..

[@harrypalmer3481]

Astoundingly beautiful, all of them.

[@MikeSulman]

Johnny Costa was a fabulous pianist. He was called the "White Tatum", and with good reason.

[@davidmalsher4038]

A name he was apparently given by.... Art Tatum himself!

[@darrylschultz6479]

If Costa was as good, how come people didn't say-"you're the black Costa Art!".

[@mrquick6775]

@@darrylschultz6479 Thatd because he wasn’t! In my mind Art Tatum was the most naturally talented and Oscar Peterson the most virtuosic of the three. I’m a jazz pianist myself. If you go listen to the version of Oscar during the early eighties NOBODY outplayed him not even Art Tatum!!

[@darrylschultz6479]

@@mrquick6775 I agree-and I'm also a jazz pianist with a love of Oscar's music for many years. Actually met him once while walking along Rundle mall in Adelaide the day after attending his show in the Festival Theatre. Was back in the late 70s. Told him I'd enjoyed his show, and asked when he'd be returning to Adelaide. He said,"maybe a year!".(Didn't happen unfortunately). He was with another tall black fellah just slowly walking along looking into shop windows. I took my chance, approached and shook hands, chat was no more than a minute-and that was that. Briefly thought of suggesting we go to the nearby Pancake Kitchen where they have a piano-just to play him a few bars to see what he thought, but thought it unlikely he'd agree, so kept that idea to myself.(Anyway, don't like big fellahs with hands the size of my head lunging for my throat 30 seconds into my performance!).But I'm glad I found the nerve to approach.

[@mrquick6775]

@@darrylschultz6479 Lol, yeah I heard he was a very BIG MAN!! I actually think he might have listened to you if you seemed like the type that would’ve been quick and too the point!!! 😊

[@juniperwoodgreen4090]

It's unbelievable that two of the greatest pianists of all time are living together at the same time and good mates...

[@BirdYoumans]

Oh my, where to start. I admit that I'm not an avid jazz fan, but as a musician I have exposed myself to and learned to love all kinds of music. It may have been Armstrong that said "there are only two kinds of music, good and bad". My thoughts exactly. I have loved music history, learning about the different periods and styles of music from Baroque and before to Modern, and yes, I like bluegrass, country, pop and rock. Some of it anyway. So here we are. Peterson, who can deny his greatness. But he was greatly influenced by Tatum as you can plainly hear but of course he certainly brings a lot of himself to the table as well. Then there's Tatum who I came to love early on because he just does what he does so cleanly. His runs are absurd. I just love him. Now I have to admit, I did not know much about Costa until today. How in the world did I miss him? What I was hearing him do is from another planet. Is it even possible for two hands to do what he was doing? I will be listening to more of him for sure. Wow, just wow!

[@jmer9126]

Costa was doing a huge favor to children by being music director for a wonderful children’s program, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

[@luf4rall]

He was subconsciously appreciated by millions of children.

[@dancelli714]

What's added here is Costa's arrangement of the tune, the variation's. I have his 1955 version and his 1990's version which has even more to it. I have everything Costa recorded that's available. One of my favorite Peterson recording's is TEA FOR 2 at the Jazz at The Philharmonic because he built up the tension to a climax. Tatum,I like Just about everything he did. We're sure lucky these great talent's were around. Their gone now but we can still enjoy their recording's. With Stereo, Costa and Peterson are running their notes all across you ear's, if you're wearing head phones.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

The best version of Art Tatum from Tea for two is the 1955 on "Tatum solo masterpieces".

[@nymbusDeveloper86]

Yes, this version here is not the most impressive.

[@johnnyjones6172]

Tea For Two?.. More Like Redbull For One....

[@realhxq]

Johnny Jones two Red Bull’s for one!

[@feloria1862]

8:12

[@josecamilo1640]

La filigrana y “dexterity” de un genio!! OP faraón del caribe: orgullo de Saint Kitts y Las Islas Británicas: Dr. Oscar Peterson. Uno de los más grandes músicos y pianistas del planeta!!!

[@dbandy2323]

Red Bull for one...Hilarious.... Hahahaha. But true...!

[@chasecoleman232]

Art

[@darylmichael7]

Wow! Tough decision. Well, putting aside their individual genius as a whole, and rating this particular piece, the winner here is JC for imagination and originality. My favorite pianist of the three overall is OP. Thanks for the post.

[@June_Hee]

Costa's touch almost have an 19th century mood in it, especially the intro. Almost resembling Ferenc Liszt, so to speak.

[@freeqwerqwer]

Thanks for this video that I discovered a side of Peterson that is absolutely delightful and fun. Tatum is king. This version of Tea for Two is one that I heard over 1000x.

[@ablandouge]

Tatum le Dieu du piano m'est apparu il y a 50 ans déjà, cela reste pour moi une révélation

[@autumnleaves2766]

How come I haven't heard of Johnny Costa before ? Outstanding. Good to read below that Art Tatum was impressed by him. For me Tatum and Peterson are the greatest jazz pianists in terms of technique and harmony etc, although my personal all time favourite, who can never be dethroned, is Erroll Garner. Thanks for posting this.

[@rgraham9792]

Autumn Leaves I agree, I am so blown away by these 3 players, but my favorite to listen to is Errol, such an intense swing

[@fildelara279]

Johnny Costa is the musical director of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood if you've seen it. He played live each taping of the show. ^_^

[@xoticbyrd]

the classical virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz heard of Art Tatum. Impressed, he began writing transcriptions for "Tea for Two", which were according to Andre Previn, "virtuostic". He played it to Tatum. Tatum then played HIS version of the piece, which amazed Horowitz. Then there are the sayings that Horowitz said "if Art Tatum took up classical music seriously, I'd quit my job the next day!" and "I'm never playing Tea for Two in public again".

[@JM-ij7om]

One of the great joys of listening to Jazz is the discovery of obscure giants. My first experience of this was tenorist Larry McKenzie. This is the second Johnny Costa. What a player!

[@drfredcole]

Holy crap... who is this Johnny Costa dude??

[@musiqman1983]

He's the iconic jazz musician and music director of the children's show Mr. Rogers, absolutely brilliant. All 3!

[@stvynix3687]

You don't know, but you already do... Mister Rogers' Neighborhood... the guy behind the piano.

[@ralphselwyn525]

Johnny Costa was performing in a club and Tatum walked in and said “ good you are playing my recording “ and the host replied “ no that is Johnny Costa “ from then Tatum named Johnny “ the whit Tatum “

[@ralphselwyn525]

Listen to Costa playing “ holiday for strings “ and you will throw all other piano records away

[@dbandy2323]

Hahahaha! Great! He’s amazing!

[@simplica1]

Omg that last piece was unbelievable. What an amazing pianist!

[@erikbrodin2198]

Yes please please more Johnny Costa however and whenever you can, tyty. I agree and found, rather did not find, the same as you have noted as it relates to Mr Costa

[@jeffreycraven8154]

I'm smiling in amazement of the beauty I hear. Love the old pic of Tatum and Peterson together. How dare a commercial break into Art's solo. Enough commercial crap for worthless s..t on TV.

[@JunieTM]

Wada say it Jeffery

[@1000000trs]

Very interesting. I'll listen to these several times. Thanks for posting.

[@eduardocarbajalesgonzalez2969]

son todos inmensos , pero como dijo Rajmaninov( que algo sabe de esto )"Tatum es el mayor genio al piano que haya existido, en cualquier estilo de música ";y estoy totalmente de acuerdo con el 😊👍

[@TheStockwell]

Not a true story, but an amusing one, nevertheless. 😺

[@JoshMaxPower]

(As I throw my piano out the window...what's the use?)

[@josecamilo1640]

Costa!! You have put a classic síntesis of them all... great music... and you have placed all; the dexterity of OP and AT plus some. Of your ways of doing and the segments of artistry of The great artist Fats W. It is so delicious, Tea for Two.... you guy can play, as a game at Sunday well, New tonality of the modern music, like a drum, or “Piano Sanfoneiro” so beautiful

[@jamc.875]

In all fairness this is a fairly young Peterson so although his velocity is jaw dropping in this piece, it lacks the maturity and depth of harmonic invention that Oscar attained in his later years.

[@jcarc5701]

@Bob Jones Calm down genius.

[@HeathWatts]

@Cosmic Dissonance I'm not sure that you read Jam C.'s comment correctly. He was pointing out that the recording of Peterson was an early one and that Peterson improved with age.

[@integer9590]

@Cosmic Dissonance not all person has to be better than the ones they're criticise

[@nymbusDeveloper86]

@Jam C., you are correct. Peterson could do better than that, we all know this.

[@davindaire]

Chris, this is fabulous, thanks so much for uploading this! You certainly have me as a new subscriber.

[@MrAristaeus]

What’s extraordinary here is that Peterson and Costa are giants in their own right (Peterson needs no introduction to anyone who has half an idea of what makes great jazz ‘great’), but STILL Tatum is Mozartian in terms of the sheer genius on display. His riffs and virtuosity seem entirely natural and motivated by the pulse and swing and are not there for effect. One gets the feeling that what he is doing could be bounced spun around and turned upside down and in his hands it would STILL work. He has total control AND total freedom and this is what made him great... and dare I say it, it is what makes him THE greatest.

[@3rdsamdan]

Three great musicians. Notwithstanding the fact I get to hear 3 terrific interpretations of the same tune, I hate these kinds of comparisons. This is not the best example of Oscar's vast repertoire. On this one tune, I would like to point out a big difference between Art and the other two. Listen to how hard Art hits the upper registers, so hard in fact the strings don't have time to resonate. This is not a criticism of his style but rather to point our I'm in complete awe of his ferocious technique, like no other. For my money, I enjoy listening to Oscar the most because I hear the speed and agility of Art and the melodic range of Johnny combined into one. Instead of attacking each other for our preferences, let's rejoice that this world was blessed with these 3 individuals.

[@robdixon4774]

Peterson and Costa are GREAT GREAT GREAT Musical Giants but TATUM is just the best Pianist here.

[@metaviewx2091]

lmao... But Peterson would disagree. Watch his take on Tatum online.

[@skierpage]

@@metaviewx2091 where? I've never seen Oscar Peterson do or say anything other than acknowledge how titanic Tatum is. Maybe he got drunk and said what he really thinks? OP swings better, but Art Tatum's relentless rapid reharmonization is on another level.

[@metaviewx2091]

@@skierpage I think I misread or meant to post this elsewhere. Tatum's talent is transcendent, and I'm in agreement with your assessment. Tatum is a beast, although I am a Monk fan.

[@lincolnrossmusic]

Thanks for posting ... wasn't familiar with Johnny Costa ... WOW !!!

[@pianolance]

Costa, even though not as big a name as Peterson and Tatum is much more widely heard, as he was the pianist for Mr Rogers Neighborhood. Daily exposure to millions of children puts him in a class by himself as far as audience size. All three are geniuses. Great comparison.

[@KareemByEar1Year]

I found Tatum while researching Costa some years ago. Then I actually found Jazz altogether!

[@scuunjieng]

thank for this stupendous post of 3 incomparable interpretations

[@ijohnny.]

All great. Factor tho, like swimming in the ocean with a foam float, Peterson has his rithim (formerly, rhythm) holding him up and can really relax as he couldn't playing solo.

[@ltravail]

It's a real head-scratcher that Johnny Costa is rarely mentioned as a member of the pantheon of great pianists of the 20th century. Perhaps he was a case where his talents far exceeded his ambition such that carving out a long and comfortable career as musical director for the "Mr Rogers" show was satisfying enough for him. It's a wonderful acknowledgement of his excellence to have him juxtaposed between the twin towers of piano virtuosity - Peterson and Tatum - and more than holding his own. Here, he is certainly in the company in which he very properly belongs!

[@catfish336699]

love these guys equally. their contributions to jazz were enormous.

[@DonTheVoice]

Costa is amazing, he spent most of his later years hiding out in Mr. Roger's neighborhood (because he didn't like to travel and lived near there) Roger's LOVED Costa's style, and so did the viewers, so Fred let Costa do whatever he wanted! If you haven't seen it yet, look up on youtube "Fred Rogers on Tonight Show with Joan Rivers" a rare treat of Costa playing the theme!

[@josecamilo1640]

GREAT!!Tatum, OP and Costa following upon the steps of a giant. Isn’t a technical matter; it is artistry!! Jazz the greatest art of the human beings!!

[@ciararespect4296]

Classical is far better than jazz a pale copy. With a few tunes but boring after a few minutes

[@jimmyc2367]

What's missing is the great Bud Powell's interpretation, which sound more like a re-composition!!!!

[@robbes7rh]

I don’t know about comparing these three in general, but if we’re only looking at whose version of “Tea for Two” is the best there is no question that Art Tatum takes the prize. This song, after all, was how he introduced himself to the renowned Harlem pianists in the late 1920s when he first visited New York. To say he made a splash is understating it grossly. The version that we hear in this video was recorded in the 1950s and represents Art in full maturity, like a well aged Cognac. What he does with this simple melody is akin to how an F-35 fighter jet takes to the skies. It’s simply extraordinary in its variations and scope. It’s doubtful anyone will ever match the skill and execution that Art brings to this tune. It’s also one of the finest examples of the stride piano style one is ever going to hear.

[@nickharvey8060]

Have you listened to Stephanie Trick ?

[@sandretto1936]

...il cuore batte sui tasti guidato dalla fantasia delle mani...la vita nasce insieme ad un insieme di suoni....

[@enricopenso4620]

ragionate troppo,cercate probabilmente,come MOMIGLIANO,di fare letteratura con le vs recensioni..romanzieri mancati..ascoltate,riascoltate..e imparate a star zitti!

[@lelevigna1982]

Bellissima citazione

[@ApoliticalApologist]

I love all three of these interpretations and performances. I think Johnny Costa really belongs in this company -- that he really was that good. Thank you for posting.

[@Darrell1019]

Oscar, we miss you!

[@bucksmusic]

All 3 are great and I like them all. I wouldn't pick a 'winner,' but make the following comments on each: Peterson - the chosen performance is still early in his career and I believe he continued to improve, peaking in the 1960s. Costa - like many I'm not that familiar with him. Of the 3 he swings the least, but a phenomenal technician. Tatum - without him Peterson and Costa probably wouldn't have played the tune at all. If I could only take one Pianist, it would be Oscar Peterson.

[@SuperMartin223]

Wow, Costa is amazing. I was only vaguely familiar with him.

[@mattbalfe2983]

Ever watch Mr Rogers?

[@chrisflynn5254]

0 seconds ago All 3 are masters on this tune, but plz do iinclude Claude Bolling on this! He was a monster on keys from the Tatum, and other schools, and his version on this standard is a stupendous homage to each of the 3, and others as well!

[@alexanderant11]

Johnny was simply Amazing

[@paxwallacejazz]

Dave McKenna too but that he stayed in Massachusetts might be a reason

[@DarthMWAL]

Costa at 8:22 onward, holy hell.....he definitely had a unique musicality on top of that complexity

[@stuarth.tresser9315]

Johnny Costa was the featured pianist on the children's program Mr. Rodgers neighborhood! Great pianist in Art Tatum & Peterson league but different. Great technicians!

[@diandenmark]

I just learned that Art Tatum himself called Johnny Costa "The White Art Tatum" ! - Well, anyway, thanks for sharing this wonderful collection!

[@echinopsritro]

Thank you for taking the time to present these three superb renditions of Tea for Two. I am a fan of all three pianists, though Johnny Costa's approach to this song moved me the most. There is a feeling, a sense of depth and emotion that did not come through (to me, at least) in the other two. And, while even the most casual of jazz fans knows Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum is a foundational figure, it's a shame that Johnny Costa remains relatively unknown, even though many of us probably heard his playing on Mister Rodger's Neighborhood. While I didn't know his name at the time, Costa's playing on that show moved me enough to want to learn piano. Thanks for the upload!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

It don´t mean a thing if you ain´t got the swing. That´s why I love Peterson and Tatum.

[@daveluttinen2547]

This is my first hearing of this. All I will say is Holy Crow! Peterson and Tatum I knew, but Costa has blown off my doors. All were stunning.

[@nymbusDeveloper86]

There's your proof for everyone who truly is the underrated one among the three.

[@tatripp]

This makes me never want to touch a piano again.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

This makes me want to go and formally arrange my '3 hand' version of Tea for Two that I do, which is kind of a showoff piece. Of course I'm no genius like these guys, but it's still fun to play. The real trick is to play tasty, logical and actually melodic things in the treble (not just noodling) while keeping the melody going in the left hand. It's so easy to just put junk in the right hand to show off the '3 hand' effect, but more impressive if there's real music up there. That said, I don't hear junk in these, and they are great influences, together with all the piano rolls. The Bob Zurke big band version is cool too.

[@NorthernPlus]

I am late on this video. First thanks for posting. Second appreciate all the responses as everyone knows something about music. I am a stride person so that is me and the piano. Used to think Tatum, then Wellstood, then it has come to Willie the Lion Smith. Dick Wellstood and Willie are both up on you tube. Willie's Tea for Two in this well known recording has more than music. Sure many of you have read it before. Wellstood had such complete phrasing. He liked Willie a lot too.: Willie "The Lion" Smith - Tea For Two - #2 of 10

[@allanfisch]

All quite wonderful

[@lazjaztrio1135]

Thanks Numa, yep, I felt the greater possibilities of trespassing the tune in Johnny Costa's version, not demonstrative, true creative art, Tatum's is often modulating and descending scales here, of course they all are great masters

[@relentlessprogress]

in my opinion, Oscar is a more bluesy version of art and jonny is a more creative and classical art. Art of course the fatherly genius of them both. Thanks for posting this video!

[@Godisgood818]

What are you saying? What you said made no sense what so ever. A jazz pianist more creative than Arthur Tatum? Can you give me the name of the drug you used.

[@ronwass]

Costa more than holds his own with the two great men. Obviously much of his version is a tribute to the greatest of all, Tatum, but he does it with much beauty, humor and creativity, even adding some Lisztian touches and other influences.

[@boonrichter3044]

I like that you referenced Tatum's performance twice to clarify haha

[@ETAPBVS7]

Ich mag Costa, verehre Peterson. Bei Art Tatum reichen mir drei Töne und ich möchte nichts anderes mehr hören! Es ist immer eine sehr persönliche Sache, wer „der Beste“ ist. Art Tatum ist meiner persönlichen Ansicht nach unerreichbar gut. Wenn er spielt, dann lassen meine Schmerzen nach. Danke Mr. Tatum!

[@GeordieAmanda]

Wonderful, all 3. I think Errol Garner was up there with these guys and to a very slightly lesser extent and perhaps surprisingly, Dudley Moore :) Only my opinion of course

[@garethharrison5797]

Dudley Moore was absolutely tremendous, no doubt about it. I was watching a Dudley Moore video the other day and through reading the comments, I discovered the Jazz piano recordings of the film composer, John Williams. Another unlikely, jaw-droppingly virtuosic Jazz pianist.