Tommy Flanagan

[Lazaro Vega]

[Michael Weiss]

When you call someone a "master," THIS is what it's supposed to mean.

[Mark Stryker]

A master orchestrator for the solo piano ... he's really at his peak here.

I also really love this version of Tadd Dameron's "Smooth as the Wind" from the same program. Music starts at about the 1:30 mark. Also interesting to see how much Billy Taylor is enjoying the playing.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Mark Stryker

[Michael Weiss]

An immaculate conception!

[Lazaro Vega]

Tommy acknowledged the Detroit legend Earl Van Riper as a major influence on his touch at the keyboard.

[cymbalgroove]

I love Minor Mishap and Tommy was such a great player.

[Shrdlu]

He always sounds great!

A couple of favorite moments:

(1) An intro he plays on the first Wilbur Harden Savoy session. A masterpiece of timing, on a par with Pops's famous "West End Blues" intro.

(2) His peaceful solo after the horns on Kenny Dorham's "Trompeta Toccata".

And to think that that fat bitch Ella Fitzgerald had the gall to criticize him. I would have walked. I guess he took the gig because it was a good income - can't blame him for that, but what a waste of his talent.