Tommy Flanagan - Overseas excellent - see pic

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.

Track Listing:

1 Relaxin' at Camarillo
2 Chelsea Bridge
3 Eclypso
4 Skål Brothers
5 Beat's Up
6 Little Rock
7 Dalarna
8 Berdandi
9 Willow Weep for Me

The Trio:

Tommy Flanagan - Piano
Elvin Jones - Drums
Wilbur Little - Bass

This CD has been test played to ensure you get what you pay for. No surprises here. All come with jewel case, liner booklet and the CD disc itself.

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