AMG Review of Best of the Pablo Solo Masterpieces

Matt Collar
All Music Guide

The Best of the Pablo Solo Masterpieces collects 20 tracks from the original seven-disc box set of recordings made by influential jazz pianist Art Tatum between 1953 and 1956. Featuring Tatum alone at the piano, producer Norman Granz intended these sessions as a spotlight for the artist, and as such, they deliver a portrait of the genius technician in the latter stage of his career. Although Tatum's brilliant early work is the place to start listening to his unique style, the Pablo sessions are nonetheless essential listening for Tatum fanatics. Also, given the exhaustive nature of the original 120-track box set, this compilation is a welcome development.