Album: God Is in the House: Original 1940-41 Recordings

Introduction
"God Is in the House: Original 1940-41 Recordings" is a 1998 collection album featuring the influential jazz pianist Art Tatum. The album, launched by High Note Records, includes works Tatum recorded in 1940 and 1941 and showcases his virtuosic and innovative piano playing. Art Tatum, known for his remarkable technical capabilities and distinct improvisational design, is considered by many as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. Listening to this album, it is clear why Tatum has made this track record.

Background
Born in 1909 in Toledo, Ohio, Art Tatum was primarily a self-taught artist. He ended up being thinking about jazz in his early teenagers and by the late 1920s, Tatum was carrying out as a pianist on the local jazz circuit. In spite of his innate musical talent, Tatum was blind in one eye, that made reading sheet music impossible. This limitation did not impede his career, however, as his remarkable ear for music permitted him to learn and perform elaborate pieces totally by ear.

Tatum relocated to New York City in the 1930s and became significantly popular, playing at prestigious clubs and taping for different record labels. The recordings included on "God Is in your house" highlight Tatum's unique approach to jazz piano during that critical moment in his profession.

Track Listing and Styles
The album features a total of 21 tracks, the majority of which are solo efficiencies by Tatum. Some of the standout tracks include "Over the Rainbow", "Stardust", "Sweet Lorraine", "Tea for Two", and the title track, "God Is in the House". These recordings showcase Tatum's mix of jazz and stride piano designs, in addition to his exceptional improvisational skills.

In addition to the solo pieces, there are a few tracks on the album where Tatum teams up with other musicians. Notable amongst these cooperations is "Esquire Blues", a trio performance including Tatum on piano, Oscar Pettiford on bass, and Big Sid Catlett on drums.

Strategy and Influence
What continues to set Art Tatum apart from other jazz pianists is his extremely detailed method. Often identified as 'superhuman,' Tatum is understood for his thoroughly crafted solos that regularly incorporate rapid-fire arpeggios and scales, along with innovative chord alternatives and harmonic progressions.

His usage of these elements not only made his efficiencies amazing to listen to however also prepared for later jazz piano designs and strategies. In addition to affecting future pianists, Tatum's improvisatory and harmonic ideas have motivated numerous jazz artists throughout a range of instruments.

Legacy and Impact
"God Is in the House: Original 1940-41 Recordings" uses a window into the artistry of Art Tatum during an especially productive time in his profession. Although these recordings were initially intended for release on a variety of labels, the 1998 compilation album brings together a cohesive collection showcasing the depth and breadth of Tatum's talents.

Even to this day, Art Tatum remains a prominent figure in the world of jazz piano. Listening to "God Is in the House", it is clear that Tatum's style and technique have actually had a profound and lasting effect on the category. For anybody interested in understanding the advancement of jazz piano or just looking for to value the virtuosity of one of the artform's most skilled musicians, this album is a must-listen.