Art Tatum, Benny Carter, Louis Bellson - Makin' Whoopee (1958) [2021]

This is one of a series of recordings in which producer Norman Granz put Art Tatum into the studio with a variety of other jazzmen. The results were stunningly impressive, particularly as Tatum had never been considered the ideal accompanying pianist. Yet here he fitted in without obtruding and added considerably to the rhythmic pulse of each tune. Another third of the trio on this particular album was altoist Benny Carter, whose sweet tone and smooth improvising made him the perfect counterbalance for Tatum.
The opening Blues in C is a model of relaxed, gentle swing. Tatum’s excellent accompaniments are typified by the trills with which he backs Benny Carter’s alto. Tatum had never recorded previously with Carter, but they sound absolutely comfortable in each other’s company.
You’re Mine, You is another number wholly suited to Carter’s rhapsodic approach.
Louie Bellson generally stays in the background, keeping the beat without much imagination.
Art Tatum was only a few years away from death when these sessions were recorded. Norman Granz got Tatum into the studio just in time to capture his genius in recordings with good modern sound. Hearing these tracks, nobody could deny that Tatum was the most extraordinary and technically brilliant jazz pianist of all time.

Tracks:

01 - Blues in C 08:04
02 - A Foggy Day 05:29
03 - You're Mine You 05:12
04 - Undecided 04:53
05 - Under a Blanket of Blue 06:16
06 - Makin' Whoopee 06:12

Personnel:

Benny Carter - alto saxophone
Art Tatum - piano
Louis Bellson - drums