Trio

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 2015

Label: Poll Winners Records

This release contains the complete original trio session showcasing the brilliant Art Tatum with Benny Carter on alto sax, and Louie Bellson on drums. Originally issued on three different EPs on the Clef label and two LPs on the Verve label, this music constitutes one of the various pairings of Tatum with other jazz greats produced by Norman Granz in the last years of the pianist’s life. Tatum was seriously ill at that time and neglected by record companies due to stylistic changes in the music industry. He would die on November 5, 1956 at the age of 47. As a bonus, the only two other existing versions of the classic “Makin’ Whoopee” recorded by Tatum, both on unaccompanied piano.

PERSONNEL:

Art Tatum, piano
Benny Carter, alto sax
Louie Bellson, drums

Los Angeles, June 25, 1954.

[15-16] BONUS TRACKS: Art Tatum (unaccompanied piano).
[15]: Los Angeles, Dec. 28, 1953 (recorded for Clef).
[16]: Los Angeles, Sep. 29, 1949 (recorded for Capitol).