Flanagan's Shenanigans

by Ken DrydenTommy Flanagan was honored with the Jazzpar Prize in 1993 by the Danish Jazz Center and took part in a special concert as all honorees have. The pianist is always a treat to hear in a live setting, and this evening is no exception. His trio includes bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Lewis Nash, while on the first four numbers he is joined by the six piece Jazzpar Windtet. "Eclypso" and "Beyond the Bluebird," two of the pianist's best-known works, are highlights of this portion of the concert, with the former featuring a memorable baritone horn solo by Vincent Nilsson. Jesper Thilo, arguably one of Europe's best tenor saxophonists, takes the place of the Windtet on Quincy Jones' lovely ballad "For Lena and Lennie." The trio is featured the rest of the way; the catchy blues "Flanagan's Shenanigan's" (written by pianist James Williams) and Flanagan's lyrical interpretation of "But Beautiful" particularly command your attention. As one of the relatively rare live recordings featuring Tommy Flanagan as a leader, this CD is warmly recommended.