Four Star Jazz KD 0203 TOMMY FLANAGAN "Master Trio"

FOURSTAR

KD 0203

TOMMY FLANAGAN

"Master Trio"

Ron Carter, bass
  Tony Williams, drums

Tommy Flanagan is joined by bassist Ron Carter and Tony Williams for this enjoyable pair of studio sessions from 1983, originally recorded for the Japanese label Baybridge. The music is predominately familiar jazz compositions, all played with gusto. Flanagan romps in a mid-tempo setting of Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." Carter gets a bit carried away with quotes in his solo during Sonny Rollins' well-known calypso "St. Thomas." The leader revoices the venerable standard "Angel Eyes" to a stunning effect, making it more dramatic than usual. Carter's driving hard bop vehicle "New Song" and Flanagan's playful "Minor Mishap" are equally enjoyable. Two other classic jazz compositions, "Misterioso" and "Milestones," are performed well, though without any surprises. Last reissued as a budget CD by Four Star, this release is well worth acquiring.