By the time of this recording, pianist
Tommy Flanagan had been performing for decades -- mostly as a sideman -- for a who's who of jazz: players such as
Miles Davis,
J.J. Johnson, and
Sonny Rollins, to name a few. His perfect, yet unassuming style made him the pianist of choice for dozens of musicians. While he has recorded as a leader from time to time, this album may be the best representation of his work available. He performs a set of great tunes ("Caravan," "Willow Weep for Me," "St. Louis Blues," "Lament," and others) in a topflight trio, with
George Mraz on bass and
Kenny Washington on drums.
Flanagan is at the peak of his powers. Never flashy, never showy, this is just outstanding music performed by a true master who is one of the great bop pianists of the 20th century.