Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Tommy Flanagan · 1978
38 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of jazz, blending intricate melodies with a lively rhythm section that invites both reflection and movement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Something Borrowed, Something Blue — The title track embodies the essence of the album, showcasing Flanagan's lyrical playing style while weaving emotional depth through complex harmonies.
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Good Bait — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and features an engaging interplay between the piano and the horn section, highlighting Flanagan's skill as both a pianist and bandleader.
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Friday the 13th — With its playful tempo and intricate melody, this piece captures Flanagan’s ability to blend humor with technical prowess, making it a memorable highlight of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalFlanagan's skilled arrangements and vibrant interplay make this a notable jazz album, though it doesn't redefine the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms across all tracks, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Each track showcases Flanagan's intricate piano work, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section that complements the melodies.
- Several pieces incorporate call-and-response patterns between the piano and the bass, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 unfolding melodic exploration
- rich harmonies for focused listening
- intricate improvisation with depth
- even pacing for relaxed enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- looking for high-energy anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Something Borrowed, Something Blue marked Tommy Flanagan's return to the studio after a period spent performing with prominent artists like Ella Fitzgerald. This album showcases Flanagan's growth as a bandleader and arranger, solidifying his place in the jazz scene during a time when he was transitioning from sideman to solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Bill Evans· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bird Song 4:47
- 2 Good Bait 4:06
- 3 Peace 6:13
- 4 Friday the 13th 3:51
- 5 Something Borrowed, Something Blue 6:36
- 6 West Coast Blues 6:43
- 7 Groovin' High 6:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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