It seems hard to believe that this 1977 studio session was Tommy Flanagan's first entirely solo piano date, which was recorded by Nippon Columbia and first appeared as a Denon CD in the U.S. The veteran musician makes the most of the opportunity, with his impeccably beautiful sound carrying the day through a wide-ranging program, from rather elegant takes of Bud Powell's "Parisian Thoroughfare" and Dave Brubeck's "In You Own Sweet Way" to breathtaking arrangements of standards such as "Here's That Rainy Day" and "The Very Thought of You." Flanagan's three originals, the soft exquisite ballad "Like a Butterfly," the late-night and bluesy "Ultima Thule," and the aptly titled "Dignified Appearance," all deserve to be better known. Most recently available from the Musical Heritage Society, this CD is well worth acquiring. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. Parisian Thoroughfare (Bud Powell)
02. In Your Own Sweet Way (Dave Brubeck)
03. Like A Butterfly (Tommy Flanagan)
04. Here's That Rainy Day (Johnny Burke/James Van Heusen)
05. Alone Too Long (Johnny Burke/James Van Heusen)
06. Maybe September (Ray Evans/Percy Faith/Jay Livingston)
07. Strollin' (Kenny Clarke)
08. Billie Holiday Medley·Glad to Be Unhappy/No More/That Ole Devil Calle (Rodgers/Hart)
09. Bean and Boys/In Walked Bud (Coleman Hawkins/Thelonious Monk)
10. Ultima Thule (Tommy Flanagan)
11. The Very Thought of You (Ray Noble)
12. Dignified Appearance (Tommy Flanagan)
TOMMY FLANAGAN piano
Recorded December 8, 1977 at Sound Ideas Studios, New York City
Denon – YX-7523-ND (Japan)