Prompted by this thread, I've imported some Art Tatum for listening. The thing that stands out for me is the fact that he can play an octave plus a third easily, and I think I hear a fifth here and there. That's a span of 13 piano keys. Not only was he incredibly athletic and accurate in playing, his hands were HUGE. I could only span an octave, perhaps a ninth, when I was playing piano.


For musicians who have a hard time listening to piano, I recommend listening to Dave McKenna. He was the ultimate cocktail pianist - some of his medleys are 15 minutes long. He's known for his left hand - walking bass and "guitar chords." Here's a sample.