Too Marvelous for Words: The Life and Genius of Art Tatum

Art Tatum (1909-1965) was an extraordinary jazz piano player, legendary for his speed, accuracy and imagination. Oscar Peterson once stopped playing the piano for two months after hearing Tatum; Les Paul gave up playing piano altogether and switched to guitar. For this first full-length biography of the pianist, Lester, a musician, writer and photographer, interviewed more than 100 of Tatum's relatives, friends, teachers and fellow musicians to investigate the origins of his unique style, the nature of his elusive character and the people and events of his life. Tatum was born in Toledo, Ohio, and had very limited sight as a child. Although it was improved by a series of cataract operations, his eyesight worsened in his early 20s, leaving the young pianist to develop further his already keen hearing and ability to remember music. In his first book, Lester carefully separates verifiable information from the abundant fancy about Tatum's relationships and early career; he also excitingly depicts the New York City jazz scene during the rise of be-bop and the enormously rich activity of the 1930s and '40s. A discography would have been a welcome addition to this notable biography. Photos not seen by PW . (Feb.)