Art Tatum-Sophisticated Lady

While the benefits of a full band or orchestra were made quite clear during the jazz age, today’s subject shows that sometimes all it takes is a single proficient performer and a lone instrument to convey beauty. The piano emerged as a fast favorite of the jazz sound, and Art Tatum was one of the greats. Tatum had perfect pitch from childhood, and so was able to learn to play by ear. He had to work diligently in order to overcome blindness in one eye, and poor vision in the other. After a time of classical training, that discouraged jazz, Tatum was able to play on the radio. Here, his adversity became a sort of asset, earning him the attention of jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson.

1932 saw Tatum’s introduction to New York City. He would be able to call it one of his base cities as his career continued to flourish. Tatum was able to have to have stints in Toledo, Cleveland, St. Louis and Chicago. Supplementing these with radio appearances, the Thirties were Tatum’s heyday. By the Forties, however, tastes had begun to change and his career suffered somewhat. Today’s song hails from his earlier days (1933, to be precise).

A Duke Ellington composition, the song begins with a peppering of notes, indicative of the clipped manner Tatum will approach playing. This style could easily meander into the random and unfocused. Yet, under Tatum’s supervision, it is evident that every note played is part of a deliberate calculation. If a nit-pick can be made about Tatum’s style, it is that the song doesn’t rhythmically coalesce until over a minute in. It is at this point that the streams of notes support the foundational rhythm. Prior to this, the melody comes at the listener in fits and starts. Fits and starts with talent, yes, but they take some getting used to. Taken in as one piece, “Sophisticated Lady” is one smooth listen.