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.
