Tommy Flanagan - Giant Steps (In Memory of John Coltrane) (Enja, 1982)

 This post is by Dan

Tommy Flanagan (p); George Mraz (b); Al Foster (d)

Recorded February 17 and 18, 1982

Giant Steps is, of course, a tribute to the memory of John Coltrane from the pianist who played on the original Giant Steps Atlantic LP released in 1960. Tommy Flanagan's role in Coltrane's classic recording was a critical one, given the challenge of the material and the prowess of the leader. 

How, one might ask, does one of the seminal recordings in jazz history lend itself to interpretation by a piano trio? In a word, "sublimely." Flanagan's approach to Giant Steps' program reveals a deep appreciation for and comprehension of Coltrane's compositions. Clearly, Flanagan is not on a contrived mission to reinvent a classic album. There are no displays of extravagance or excess in this marvelous recording. There are no unnecessary liner notes analyzing the music or referring to ghosts visiting the studio. This is plainly and simply a premier jazz date played at an incredibly high level, as close to perfection as one might ever expect. 

It's practically pointless to dissect particular tracks or draw attention to excellent solos or special moments. All of it works flawlessly. For Flanagan and company, this stuff is repertoire that they could feast on anytime they wish. 

At the time of the Giant Steps recording in 1982, Flanagan was 52 and both Foster and Mraz were just approaching 30. Flanagan died in 2001, and Mraz died just last year. Foster is now 78 and recently recorded an album of his own compositions (Inspirations & Dedications on Smoke Sessions, 2019) and several albums with the group Heads of State, also on Smoke Sessions. 

Over the years, I've been an admirer of all of these individuals and the wonderful music they play. The Giant Steps sessions in February 1982 encapsulate them playing at their best. 

Records this great don't happen by accident. Kudos to Enja producers Horst Weber and Matthias Winkelmann, and to engineer David Baker for the flawless recording.