Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson comparison, comments.

Jazz Video

[@rtsinister]

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

[@MaximusDowns]

"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!

[@thesangster]

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

[@trblcleft]

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.

[@MusicOf1000SOULS]

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]

In YOUR opinion !!!

[@jibsmokestack1]

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

[@alanwitton5039]

Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson were phenomenal!

[@GeoffBournes]

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

[@adbarnes57]

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.

[@TheGetterdone]

@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.

[@crimple7]

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]

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]

@@samuelpatton1828 "better" ?

[@craigbroadfoot1851]

@@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!

[@FelixScottJr]

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

[@eecorr]

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

[@stephenbrown4477]

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]

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]

Where would you rank bill evans?

[@iman678888]

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

[@TombstoneHeart]

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]

Clapton was never God

[@vova47]

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...

[@trauermusik]

Right!!! KZbin its an incredible progress for culture

[@killerspudly]

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

[@pacodemic]

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

[@oscarandgroucho]

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.

[@bladeboy258]

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

[@susanbloodgood3572]

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

[@mkeysou812]

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!

[@loveyouall66]

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.

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@tommyhaynes521]

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

[@crimple7]

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!

[@zoorland2]

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

[@The64200]

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

[@viehmeyerjazz]

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

[@renduke]

IMO no one had Tatums speed and precision no one

[@wilsargisson3626]

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

[@MokgatlaNakedi-ki2wr]

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.. .

[@PinkTorpedoMan]

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.

[@vova47]

It's on DVD "Trio concert in London"

[@Sam-gh6ti]

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

[@wparke]

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 !

[@brianandrewleahy1]

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

[@wilsargisson3626]

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

[@gabri3l367]

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

[@bolder2009]

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.

[@bd1845]

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…

[@2dasimmons]

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 KZbin: Gladys Knight sings on Dancing with the Stars. This lady got the emotions flowing, unlike Barbra Streisand when she sang her classic song. Shalom.

[@donoleari]

Belo documentário! Oswaldo Oleari

[@carlorachel]

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]

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.

[@gjc82071]

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.

[@2dasimmons]

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 KZbin 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.

Congratulations! Daniel!!

[@mrbrianmccarthy]

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.

[@bach5861]

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

[@egui600]

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

[@paulostroff99]

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

[@dfranklin70]

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.

[@vova47]

You're welcome, glad I could help' Have a great 2013!!!!

[@bUklMusic]

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

[@Playswitsqwirlz]

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

[@hienbossa1065]

❤❤

[@crimple7]

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.

[@jckea]

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

[@2dasimmons]

You might enjoy this KZbin 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!

[@Olamorinde]

Tatum's out of this world.

[@timreid5443]

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]

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

[@MrMachoman47]

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

[@Torn80cj]

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

[@funkality]

where's part 2!!

[@fritstube]

They are all One Of A Kind!

[@pinkieldred]

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!

[@jslick4589]

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

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

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.

[@l.e.dinardi5538]

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!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

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

[@CalvinLimuel]

I found it.. really great haha

[@rickames]

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

[@Playswitsqwirlz]

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

[@timothykring4772]

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

[@none5020]

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

[@timothykring4772]

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

[@GiTwIXx4501]

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

[@15emac]

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.

[@Tombstudio1]

Greatest paino player by far!!!~

[@torontoBluejays87]

@oscarandgroucho Bud was my favourite trio pianist.

[@girlmusician24]

Dang. I gotta go practice.☺

[@lincolnrossmusic]

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.

[@perrythelaconicone]

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

[@harounagerhard]

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

[@bolder2009]

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.

[@barracuda7018]

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

[@tipofelice]

@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.

[@vova47]

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

[@Jazzinthecountry]

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.

[@NoteAnimation]

what song is oscar peterson playing? thanks

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

what u feel is sound waves impacting your eardrums & your brain. some of us can manipulate sound to make it rhythmically pleasing. ray charles. oscar. i can too. some sons of slaves had a real bad time & sang about it as field hollers. we get to hear the blues. stay real if you talk to me. don't wax poetic or spiritual. real life is hard enuff. no need to complicate it with non-issues like spirituality.But if you do see Him tell your"director" i want a new role w/better pay.

[@pierwade3]

which song was oscar peterson playing?

[@noni675]

@vetmusician Clint has been a fan of jazz throughout his life. He hoped to pursue music after high school , but has composed several film scores for some of his films. He directed 'Bird' (1988) about Charlie Parker, plus directed 'Piano Blues', from Martin Scorsese's "The Blues", with a variety of his favorite blues and jazz pianists (that were still alive). Does any of this make him an authority? No, but you're confusing his personal interests with the characters he portrays.

[@JazzQuasar]

@iyep I would go as far as a different Universe.

[@pianiplunker1981]

@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.

[@bolder2009]

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.

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@tomasjackson6748]

What is the name of the piece Art Tatum plays at 1:17?

[@nickhaupt9266]

I think yesterdays

[@egui600]

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

[@wilsargisson3626]

Yours Is My Heart Alone

[@arthurbraxton]

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

[@MichaelVeazey]

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

[@brianandrewleahy1]

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.

[@lukefenderrhodes]

im still having a hard time playing this on rhodes.

[@CoolCat123450]

"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.

[@lieballer8818]

Achievement Unlocked : "Gospel Truth!"

[@GERSHWINGAL7]

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]

Wow f *ff

[@wilsargisson3626]

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