Search - Tommy Flanagan :: Overseas

So long Tommy,you'll forever be with us. With love.

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 11/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thomas Lee Flanagan (March 16,1930 - November 16,2001) is simply and modestly one of the greatest pianist in the history of jazz.
And to me,he was one of the three greatest pianists alive,with Hank Jones and John Lewis.I would have said that at the beginning of the year, but now,John and Tommy are gone.Tommy played with almost everybody,from Coleman Hawkins to John Coltrane,Sonny Rollins,Charles Mingus,Miles,Kenny Dorham.He was Ella Fitzgerald's pianist for ten years (1968-1978).
This record,taped in Stockholm on August 15,1957,was the first he made under his own name.Wilbur Little plays bass,and the colossus of drums,Elvin Jones,is here too.This is the first time that Tommy's playing was offered to jazz lovers,and his style reveals many influences : Bud Powell,of course,but to me,Tommy's style includes many other influences; among them, Teddy Wilson,MaryLou Williams,Earl Hines,and even the little-known but extremely talented Herman Chittison; and Art Tatum,too.Most of the tunes were composed by Tommy ("Eclypso","Dalarna","Verdandi","Beats up","Skal brothers" and "Little rock")."Willow wep for me" is the amazing Ann Ronnell's tune,"Relaxin' at Camarillo" is Bird's,and "Chelsea bridge" was written by Duke's alter ego,Mr "Sweet Pea",Billy Strayhorn.The longest track of the CD,"Little Rock",is a blues,with great support by Elvin Jones,and perfect bass playing by the underrated Wilbur Little.The tune seems to have been written with Little Rock,Arkansas, in mind;a town where the disgusting governor Orville Faubus became sadly famous for the way he repressed racial troubles.This is a violent piece,and Wilbur Little's deep-sounded bass makes me think of Charles Mingus.With this record,originally issued on Metronome,Tommy Flanagan immediatly took place in the history of jazz,as one of the new stars of piano.The beautiful ballad "Dalarna" is very reminiscent of Bud Powell's compositions.For the next 44 years,Tommy Flanagan gave us hours and hours of happiness,until that sad day of November 16. You can buy any CD by Tommy,when he plays solo or trio: everyone is a gem. But there is a special flavor in this one, for it's his first one, and for Elvin Jones participation.Truly, a very important record."

Excellent early Flanagan trio recording

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 05/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was Tommy Flanagan's first recording under his own name, made in 1957 in Sweden when he was touring with J.J. Johnson's group. It's a trio recording and Tommy is joined by Wilbur Little (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). Flanagan is a Bud Powell-influenced pianist (few pianist coming along in the 1950s weren't), who plays with assurance but also a great deal of subtlety. His single-note solos are lyrical yet constantly swing. The opening track, Charlie Parker's blues RELAXIN' AT CAMARILLO, is taken up-tempo and immediately establishes his presence not only on the date, but to the rest of the jazz piano players out there. It's the highlight of the disc. He follows this with the slow ballad by Billy Strayhorn, CHELSEA BRIDGE, and although the contrast in tempo is great, the lyricism and poise are still very much in evidence. Other highlights include the two takes of VERDANDI, which features Elvin Jones's brushwork; the medium-up BEAT'S UP, which allows everyone to solo; and SKAL BROTHERS, a medium blues. Tommy Flanagan would go on to make many more albums, almost all of them top-notch affairs, and one can see why that would be so from listening to this very fine initial offering. Definitely worth checking out."

Terrific piano trio work

KD | Southeastern Ohio | 12/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was recommended as one of interest to drummers wanting to listen to great brush work. It excels in that respect, largely because of a good balance between the instruments. Elvin's playing is more straight ahead than his work with John Coltrane.
In addition to the drumming, there is great music here. Memorable, listenable music."