Customer Reviews

Giant Steps

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tommy Flanagan plays again the tunes from the Giant Steps recording that he made with Coltrane. The first time around, he received the charts at the beginning of the session. So his solo on the original Giant Steps is a little less than overwhelming. He gives a good shot at it, but one feels he ran out of imagination, and just comped his way out of the chorus. Plus, he did not record Naima (on my remastered Coltrane cd, there is Wynton Kelly, who was on the LP, and Cedar Walton) on the original.
This recording allows him to correct all this. Syeeda's song flute sounds surprisingly good as a trio. Tommy is accompanied by George Mraz, who does his customary excellent job, and Al Foster.

Nice tribute to the music of John Coltrane by one of his historical pianist. Tommy infact, recorded the original Giant steps album with Coltrane the man himself. That time he wasn't at the height of the master so here he is trying to take a second chance. Splendid versions of Central Park west, Naima, Syeeda's song flute and Cousin Marie. Mr P.C. and Giant steps are a little less inspired. Tommy plays beautifully in the entire album with George Mraz on the double bass and Al Foster on drums. A nice album to listen to, maybe a little educated. Some fire is lacking, but the trio here deserves to be listened.