Beyond the Blue Bird
Tommy Flanagan · 1990
67 min · 10 tracks · jazz
An intricate blend of post-bop and lyrical melodies woven through rich harmonies and rhythmic complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bluebird — This opening track features delicate piano lines that showcase Flanagan's lyrical style, setting an introspective mood for the album.
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Yesterdays — A poignant interpretation of a jazz standard, Flanagan's nuanced phrasing brings fresh emotional depth to this classic composition.
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Beyond the Bluebird — The title track encapsulates the essence of Flanagan's artistry, combining intricate rhythms with heartfelt melodic exploration.
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Blues in My Heart — This piece reflects Flanagan's mastery of blues forms, intertwining soulful expression with technical prowess.
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Bluebird After Dark — Closing the album, this track revisits themes from earlier pieces while adding a darker, more contemplative tone to the narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album displays strong melodic development and rhythmic complexity, characteristic of Flanagan's style.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases distinct melodic themes, often revisited and developed through improvisation, particularly evident in 'Beyond the Bluebird'.
- The use of space is notable; several tracks include pauses that allow for tension to build before resolving into complex harmonies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression through improvisation
- rich harmonic textures to explore
- melodic warmth for evening relaxation
- thoughtful listening for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic music
- seek short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Beyond the Blue Bird marked Tommy Flanagan's return to the forefront of jazz after a decade of collaboration with various artists. This album came shortly after his notable participation on iconic recordings with musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane, solidifying his reputation as a prominent pianist in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Bill Evans· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bluebird 5:43
- 2 Yesterdays 9:00
- 3 50-21 7:14
- 4 Blues in My Heart 7:15
- 5 Barbados 6:13
- 6 Beyond the Bluebird 4:47
- 7 Nascimento 7:51
- 8 The Con Man 5:31
- 9 Something Borrowed Something Blue 6:47
- 10 Bluebird After Dark 6:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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