The album was recorded during a solo piano concert given by Tatum at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in May 1949.

[2] Gene Norman Presents an Art Tatum Concert was released on 10-inch LP[3] by Columbia Records in 1952.

Almost every number has passages to ponder and weep over", and highlighted "an arpeggio, lasting some eight bars, that no other pianist would dare because it is impossible" in "The Man I Love".

[5] The Daily Record reviewer described the album as "an outstanding example of the genius that is Art Tatum".

[6] A reviewer for The Capital Times wrote: "Applause and auditorium noises give it a live performance atmosphere.