Although Tommy Flanagan tended to refer to two-piano dates as a gimmick, that's hardly the case during this superb 1983 concert in Germany with Hank Jones. The two pianists have the kind of feel for one another's playing that avoids the crash of egos and instead inspires the give and take necessary for each performance to reach its full potential. Immediately, the two veterans captivate their audience with a stunning aggressive improvisation upon Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," then immediately quiet them with a soft, lyrical interpretation of the gorgeous ballad "In a Sentimental Mood." They're clearly having a lot of fun during their upbeat waltz through the popular ballad "Someday My Prince Will Come." The rest of the concert is every bit as fulfilling, with an inspired treatment of "Rockin' in Rhythm" getting the nod as the highlight of a memorable evening. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
1. Relaxin' at Camarillo (Charlie Parker)
2. In a Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington/Manny Kurtz/Irvin Mills)
3. Some Day My Prince Will Come (Frank Churchill/Larry Morey)
4. Afternoon in Paris (John Lewis)
5. Au Prívale (Charlie Parker)
6. I'm All Smiles (Michel Legrand)
7. Rockin' in Rhythm (Harry Carney/Duke Ekkington/Irving Mills)
8. Con Alma (Dizzy Gillespie)
HANK JONES piano
TOMMY FLANAGAN piano
Recorded May 7, 1983 at the Franziskaner Concert Hall, Villingen
MPS Records - 817 863-2