Artist: The Oscar Moore Quartet
Biography of Art Tatum:
Art Tatum was among the most extraordinary of all jazz musicians, a pianist with wondrous technique who could not only play ridiculously rapid lines with both hands (his 1933 solo version of "Tiger Rag" sounds as if there were three pianists jamming together) but was harmonically 30 years ahead of his time; all pianists have to deal to a certain extent with Tatum's innovations in order to be taken seriously. Able to play stride, swing, and boogie-woogie with speed and complexity that could only previously be imagined, Tatum's quick reflexes and boundless imagination kept his improvisations filled with fresh (and sometimes futuristic) ideas that put him way ahead of his contemporaries.
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Biography of Oscar Moore:
An excellent guitarist influenced after 1939 by Charlie Christian, Oscar Moore was an invaluable part of the Nat King Cole Trio during 1937-1947, appearing on virtually all of Cole's records during the period. He also recorded with Lionel Hampton, Art Tatum (1941), the Capitol Jazzmen, and Lester Young.
Unfortunately, Moore's post-Cole career was not that successful. He played with his brother Johnny Moore in the Three Blazers from 1947 to the mid-'50s (the group declined in popularity after pianist/singer Charles Brown left) and he recorded three records for Verve and Tampa during 1953-1954, but then was largely outside of music with the exception of a 1965 Cole tribute album. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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Albums
Main Albums:
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Art Tatum: The Complete Capitol Recordings Vol.1
1952 Capitol
