Blues-ette Part II cover

Blues-ette Part II

Tommy Flanagan · 1993

55 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of traditional jazz and contemporary influences, showcasing intricate piano work and rich ensemble dynamics.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Love Your Spell is Everywhere — This track opens the album with a lively melody and showcases Flanagan's lyrical piano style, setting the tone for the entire record.
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    Bluesette 93 — A fresh take on the classic standard, this version highlights Flanagan's unique approach to rhythm and phrasing while paying homage to the original.
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    Autumn in New York — Flanagan's rendition of this timeless piece is marked by its emotional depth and intricate piano lines, demonstrating his technical skill and interpretive prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases skilled piano work and a mix of originals and standards, balancing tradition with contemporary jazz elements.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of intricate piano melodies that are often accompanied by rich harmonies from the ensemble.
  • Several tracks incorporate varying tempos, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create contrast.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • elegant background ambiance
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • captivating melodic exploration

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1993, Tommy Flanagan had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, known for his work with legends like Ella Fitzgerald. 'Blues-ette Part II' followed his 1991 release 'The Trio,' continuing his exploration of rich harmonic structures while solidifying his reputation as a master pianist and composer.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Bill Evans· Chick Corea

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Is it All a Game

    The music gradually shifts from a hopeful theme to a more contemplative tone reflects inner conflict.

    This transition uses changing dynamics to mirror the complexity of the lyrics without needing words, showcasing Flanagan's mastery in conveying emotion through instrumental storytelling.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Love Your Spell is Everywhere 7:09
  • 2 Sis 4:25
  • 3 Bluesette 93 4:39
  • 4 Is it All a Game 5:46
  • 5 Capt' Kid 4:51
  • 6 Five Spot After Dark 4:56
  • 7 How am I to Know 5:27
  • 8 Along Came Betty 6:50
  • 9 Autumn in New York 4:44
  • 10 Manhattan Serenade 6:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata