Ja-Da
Art Tatum · Other Songs - Art Tatum
Everything from opera down to harmony
But I've a little song that I will sing to you
It's gonna win you through and through
There ain't much to the words but the music is grand
And you'll be a-singing it to beat the band
You've heard of the tisket and tasket it's true
But give a little listen to this will you?
Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
That's a funny little bit of melody
It's so soothing and appealing to me
It goes Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
Our bands have been digging back for tunes to be sung
Operas and nursery rhymes have been overdone
I dug a little deeper and I found this thing
It's ragtime but it still can swing
It ain't a turkeytrot or a shimmey onestep
But when grandma danced to it
She thought she was hep
It still is a ditty
I'm sure you will find
Will keep a runnin' 'round and around your mind
Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
That's a funny little bit of melody
It's so soothing and appealing to me
It goes Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da, Ja-Da
Jing, Jing, Jing
About Ja-Da
Art Tatum's "Ja-Da" stands as a quintessential example of his virtuosic approach to jazz piano, showcasing his unparalleled technical facility and melodic inventiveness. Recorded during the height of his career, the track exemplifies the bebop era's emphasis on rapid scalar runs and complex harmonic structures, yet it remains anchored by Tatum's distinct, singing tone. The composition reflects his ability to blend classical precision with the improvisational spirit of the jazz tradition, creating a listening experience defined by its relentless energy and emotional depth. As a solo recording, it highlights his status as one of the most influential pianists of the 20th century, whose influence on subsequent generations of jazz musicians is immeasurable. The piece serves as a testament to his mastery of the instrument, offering a glimpse into the brilliance that characterized his discography and solidified his legacy in American music history.