The Magnificent Tommy Flanagan
Tommy Flanagan · 1981
72 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A sophisticated blend of lush melodies and intricate rhythms that showcases Flanagan's nuanced piano artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Morning Heartache — This track captures the emotional depth of Flanagan's playing, with subtle variations that breathe new life into a classic standard. Its delicate phrasing and poignant harmonies showcase his lyrical approach to jazz interpretation.
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Speak Low — Flanagan's rendition adds a fresh perspective to this well-known tune, intertwining complex chord progressions with expressive melodic lines that highlight his technical prowess. The interplay between rhythm and melody here exemplifies his unique voice.
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Change Partners — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and harmonic sophistication, allowing Flanagan to navigate shifts effortlessly while maintaining the song's inherent elegance. His improvisational flair shines through, making it a 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 nuanced piano artistry shines through in rich arrangements and improvisational depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a series of ballads that highlight Flanagan's lyrical playing style, while the second half introduces more complex rhythmic patterns.
- The album includes several alternate takes, which provide different interpretations of the same compositions, emphasizing Flanagan's versatility.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- melodic improvisations that invite reflection
- wave-like pacing for relaxed listening
- exploratory themes across tracks
- heartfelt interpretations for emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic music
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, The Magnificent Tommy Flanagan marks a significant point in Flanagan's career as he transitioned into a celebrated leader after years as a sought-after sideman. This album features his distinctive style, building on the legacy of previous collaborations while establishing his own identity in the jazz world.
- Stylistic neighbors
- McCoy Tyner· Bill Evans· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Speak Low 6:13
- 2 Good Morning Heartache 5:46
- 3 Old Devil Moon 6:05
- 4 Everything I Love 5:36
- 5 Change Partners 7:19
- 6 I Fall in Love Too Easily 5:00
- 7 Blueish Grey 5:31
- 8 Just in Time 5:42
- 9 Old Devil Moon (alternate take) 5:52
- 10 Good Morning Heartache (alternate take) 6:04
- 11 Change Partners (alternate take) 6:52
- 12 Speak Low (alternate take) 6:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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