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Monday, August 21, 2006
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Tommy Flanagan's Lyrical Style...Swings
By Jim Allen
Tommy Flanagan is without a doubt one of the most consummate jazz pianists in the world. His flawless virtuosity elicits unstinting praise from critics and peers alike.
The highly respected critic, Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times, said Flanagan may be the most universally respected artist in his field. The great singer Ella Fitzgerald, whom Flanagan accompanied for years, summarized it all when she said, "Flanagan is a genius."
On August 25, Flanagan and his trio, featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer "Tooti" Hearth, performed in a concert at The Lodge at Woodcliff in a tent adjacent to the lodge overlooking Bristol Hills.
About...Time Magazine
283 Genesee Street
Rochester, NY 14611-3496
atmag@abouttimemag.com
Telephone: (716) 235-7150
Fax: (716) 235-7195
The evening opened with a medley of tunes from the Thelonious Monk songbook, which included "Monk's Dream" and the hauntingly beautiful "'Round Midnight." The trio's musical palette also included Dizzy Gillespie's classic "Night in Tunisia," George Gershwin's beautiful "Embraceable You" and Charlie Parker's jaunty "Now's the Time," among others.
Flanagan's beautifully polished playing not only showcased his highly lyrical style, he also demonstrated his ability to infuse humor, tenderness and sophisticated elegance in his musical offerings. His formidable technique and innate ability to articulate solos of exquisite taste and clarity showed the influence of Bud Powell and Hank Jones. But make no mistake, Tommy Flanagan has steadily evolved as a highly distinctive piano voice of his own.
Peter Washington who, in his brief career, has ascended to the top echelon of working bassists, was in rare form as evidenced by his authoritative tone and singular sense of rhythm.
"Tooti" Heath, who is the youngest member of the celebrated Heath family that includes bassist Percy and saxophonist Jimmy, is a no-nonsense percussionist who lends deft support to any rhythm section. Heath has firmly established himself as one of the most outstanding exponents of his instrument.
Throughout his brilliant career, the soft-spoken, self-effacing Flanagan has played and recorded with some of the greatest names in jazz-Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, Thad Jones, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, J.J. Johnson, Harry "Sweets" Edison and a host of others.
Flanagan was the pianist of record on John Coltrane's landmark recording, Giant Steps. Much of his time is now devoted to trio settings. Critic Gary Giddens of the Village Voice, said the Tommy Flanagan Trio is, "The standard by which piano trios are measured." The performance at the Woodcliff on a balmy August night before an enthusiastic audience of pure jazz aficionados attests to that irrefutable fact. Kudos to Peter R. McCrossen of The Lodge at Woodcliff for bringing in such class jazz acts.
Tommy Flanagan's Lyrical Style...Swings
By Jim Allen
Tommy Flanagan is without a doubt one of the most consummate jazz pianists in the world. His flawless virtuosity elicits unstinting praise from critics and peers alike.
The highly respected critic, Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times, said Flanagan may be the most universally respected artist in his field. The great singer Ella Fitzgerald, whom Flanagan accompanied for years, summarized it all when she said, "Flanagan is a genius."
On August 25, Flanagan and his trio, featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer "Tooti" Hearth, performed in a concert at The Lodge at Woodcliff in a tent adjacent to the lodge overlooking Bristol Hills.
About...Time Magazine
283 Genesee Street
Rochester, NY 14611-3496
atmag@abouttimemag.com
Telephone: (716) 235-7150
Fax: (716) 235-7195
The evening opened with a medley of tunes from the Thelonious Monk songbook, which included "Monk's Dream" and the hauntingly beautiful "'Round Midnight." The trio's musical palette also included Dizzy Gillespie's classic "Night in Tunisia," George Gershwin's beautiful "Embraceable You" and Charlie Parker's jaunty "Now's the Time," among others.
Flanagan's beautifully polished playing not only showcased his highly lyrical style, he also demonstrated his ability to infuse humor, tenderness and sophisticated elegance in his musical offerings. His formidable technique and innate ability to articulate solos of exquisite taste and clarity showed the influence of Bud Powell and Hank Jones. But make no mistake, Tommy Flanagan has steadily evolved as a highly distinctive piano voice of his own.
Peter Washington who, in his brief career, has ascended to the top echelon of working bassists, was in rare form as evidenced by his authoritative tone and singular sense of rhythm.
"Tooti" Heath, who is the youngest member of the celebrated Heath family that includes bassist Percy and saxophonist Jimmy, is a no-nonsense percussionist who lends deft support to any rhythm section. Heath has firmly established himself as one of the most outstanding exponents of his instrument.
Throughout his brilliant career, the soft-spoken, self-effacing Flanagan has played and recorded with some of the greatest names in jazz-Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, Thad Jones, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, J.J. Johnson, Harry "Sweets" Edison and a host of others.
Flanagan was the pianist of record on John Coltrane's landmark recording, Giant Steps. Much of his time is now devoted to trio settings. Critic Gary Giddens of the Village Voice, said the Tommy Flanagan Trio is, "The standard by which piano trios are measured." The performance at the Woodcliff on a balmy August night before an enthusiastic audience of pure jazz aficionados attests to that irrefutable fact. Kudos to Peter R. McCrossen of The Lodge at Woodcliff for bringing in such class jazz acts.
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