Lovely lyrical sounds from Tommy Flanagan – a pianist who can be as deft as a bopper, but also bring in some richer currents of soul as well! Case in point is this great album from the late 70s – a time when Flanagan wasn't as much in the recording spotlight as the decade before, but a period when he'd actually matured a lot more as a player – able to step effortlessly between both his inclinations, especially when working with a group this great – a trio that features George Mraz on bass and Elvin Jones on drums! Tommy's got a touch on the keys that's subtle at times, but extremely powerful – a knowledge of notes and colors that's never overstated, but always right on the money. Titles include a great reading of the Tom McIntosh tune "Cup Bearers", plus "Maybe September", "Confirmation", "50 21", and "It Never Entered My Mind".
Tracks
1. Maybe September (R. Evans/P. Faith/J. Livingston)
2. Confirmation [alternate take] (Charlie Parker)
3. How High The Moon (Morgan Lewis/Nancy Hamilton)
4. It Never Entered My Mind (R. Rodgers/L. Hart)
5. Cup Bearers [alternate take] (Tom McIntosh)
6. 50-21 (Thad Jones)
TOMMY FLANAGAN piano
GEORGE MRAZ bass
ELVIN JONES drums
Recorded at Sound Ideas Studios, NYC on February 4, 1977 (tracks 1, 2 & 5) and Penthouse Studio, NYC on November 15, 1978 (tracks 3, 4 & 6)
Enja Records - 4014-2 Germany