I think that Art Tatum was one of the greatest musicians that has ever lived. He was extremely innovative, cutting edge and FAST! The thing you can’t forget is this guy was playing like this back in the 1930’s. If you really listen to him you’ll hear chords that we play today and think we are really doing something. Tatum was completely blind in one eye and legally blind in the other but he’s probably the cleanest and most accurate musician you’ll hear. I remember the first time I heard Tatum I thought how many people are there on the piano. I found out it was just him. He was the kind of musician that made you practice a whole lot harder or just want to give up! I believe if you stay humble its so much more out there you can learn. Tatum not only has taught us a lot with his music but he has also taught countless musicians the lesson of humility with his amazing playing ability. Check him out on a tune called Humouresque.  

Here are a few little lessons on some of the things that Tatum would do. Introduction to Tatum, Pentatonic Scales , Diatonic Devices, G Turn 

Check back tommorrow for a lesson on stride with the left hand.

Kenny Hollins