The Poet of the Piano

Over the past couple of days I've spun three Tommy Flanagan records: The Tommy Flanagan Trio (1960); Live at Montreux '77; and Nights at the Vanguard (1986). The latter two records are live recordings, and just like that live T.F. album from '57 I played the other day, I think they highlight what's best in his playing--the craft and spontaneity. It all seems to come out better live than in the studio (based on what I own, anyway). I had the good fortune to see the man at the late, lamented Kimball's in San Francisco. Probably around 1990 or 91. I'd never seen such long, elegant fingers on a gentleman. He's a poet of the ballads, he swings the up tempo stuff, and can get way into the blues. Equally at home in Monk, Ellington and Evans. My favorite of these records is probably the Vanguard one because of his deep interactions with bassist George Mraz. It's also notable for the fact that the great jazz recordig engineer Rudy Van Gelder made it his first live recording in twelve years. Top notch stuff.

On the CD front: another one by Olu Dara. This one's called Neighborhoods (2001). A little bit more eccentric than his In the World recording, and good for him. From the opening, West African-flavored number "Massamba" to the spiritual "Out on the Rolling Sea" (I first heard the Bahamian guitarist Joseph Spence do this number. I assume Dara has as well), O.D. continues his journey through the neighborhoods of Pan-African music. Has he recorded anything since? I gotta investigate that.

Also in CD's, I've begun listening to the series of Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures, but I'll save my gushing for the next entry...

Finally, a big thanks to my sister, The Baker, for the Duke Ellington-Ella Fitzgerald record. More on that after I listen to it.