What makes Giant Steps by Tommy Flanagan notable?

Giant Steps is significant for its innovative arrangements and performances that highlight Flanagan's virtuosity on the piano. The album received critical acclaim, contributing to a resurgence of interest in jazz during the early 1980s, and it solidified Flanagan's reputation as a key figure in modern jazz. Released in 1982, Giant Steps marked Tommy Flanagan's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a period of relative obscurity. This album came after his tenure accompanying notable artists like Ella Fitzgerald and was pivotal in re-establishing him as a respected bandleader in his own right.

Who is Giant Steps for?

Giant Steps works well if you're into steady melodic development throughout, intricate harmonies for focus and fluid improvisation for engagement.

How many songs are on Giant Steps?

Giant Steps has 6 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Giant Steps

Tommy Flanagan · 1982

36 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A masterclass in modal jazz, where intricate harmonies collide with fluid improvisation and rhythmic sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mr. P.C. — This track showcases Flanagan's ability to blend complex harmonies with a swinging rhythm, offering a vibrant take on McCoy Tyner's composition.
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Central Park West — Flanagan's interpretation of this John Coltrane piece highlights his lyrical touch and mastery of melodic variation within structured improvisation.
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Syeeda's Song Flute — The arrangement allows for rich interplay between piano and saxophone, revealing Flanagan’s skill in crafting conversational solos that engage with the ensemble.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases sophisticated jazz arrangements and virtuosic performances, marking Flanagan's strong return to the scene.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore complex harmonic structures.
The album opens with a fast-paced piece and gradually introduces slower, more contemplative tracks, creating a dynamic flow.
Flanagan's piano work is characterized by intricate runs and syncopated rhythms that interact fluidly with the bass and drums.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 melodic development throughout
intricate harmonies for focus
fluid improvisation for engagement
for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1982, Giant Steps marked Tommy Flanagan's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a period of relative obscurity. This album came after his tenure accompanying notable artists like Ella Fitzgerald and was pivotal in re-establishing him as a respected bandleader in his own right.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Bill Evans· Chick Corea

Tracklist

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

1 Mr. P.C. 6:38
2 Central Park West 5:38
3 Syeeda's Song Flute 6:01
4 Cousin Mary 7:14
5 Naima 5:02
6 Giant Steps 6:14

What to play next

Listen next

The Magic of 2

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Go back to

The Magnificent Tommy Flanagan

1981

Full Tommy Flanagan discography Artists like Tommy Flanagan

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata