Tommy Flanagan

Piano

Detroit-born Tommy Flanagan grew up immersed in the city's legendary mid-century jazz scene, originally studying the clarinet before switching to the piano at age 11. Strongly influenced by masters like Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole, and Bud Powell, he developed a flawless touch and an inventive melodic approach that quickly established him as a major talent. On leaving the U.S. Army in 1956, he moved to New York where he became a much sought-after accompanist and sideman. Flanagan contributed to dozens of albums with leading players: Pepper Adams, Art Blakey, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Kenny Burrell, Booker Ervin, Batty Carter, Kenny Dorham, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Coleman Hawkins, Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Art Pepper, and perhaps most notably Sonny Rollins Saxophone Colossus, John Coltrane’s Giant Steps and Wes Montgomery’s The Incredible Jazz Guitar. His ability to elevate others led him to a long relationship with Ella Fitzgerald, recording and extensive touring (1963-65 and 1968-78). Tommy focussed on his career as a bandleader, from the late 1970s, leading a series of acoustic trios, yielding a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Jazz Poet and Beyond the Blue Bird, which garnered multiple Grammy nominations and earned him the prestigious NEA Jazz Master award in 1996. Flanagan continued to perform and record until his passing in 2001, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a definitive voice of classic jazz piano whose impeccable phrasing and swing continue to inspire generations of musicians. “Tommy Flanagan swings so deeply, and he's so compassionate. You can always hear the lyrics when he plays. The only pianist I could compare him with is my brother Hank.” Elvin Jones