Beyond the Blue Bird is an album by jazz pianist Tommy Flanagan, with guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Lewis Nash.
Background Flanagan's first musical residence, in 1949, was at the Blue Bird Inn in Detroit.WKCR broadcast (November 20, 1994) Transcribed at Panken, Ted (March 16, 2013) "For Tommy Flanagan's 83rd Birthday Anniversary, a 1994 Interview on WKCR". Transcript of WKCR radio interview. Retrieved August 6, 2013. As a teenager, he also played with guitarist Kenny Burrell. After two years of military service, Flanagan again became house pianist at the Blue Bird, and again worked with Burrell.Thurber, John (November 18, 2001) "T. Flanagan, 71; Jazz Pianist, Accompanist". Los Angeles Times.
Recording and music The album was recorded on April 29 and 30, 1990, at Studio 44, in Monster, the Netherlands.Fitzgerald, Michael (October 2, 2011) "Tommy Flanagan Leader Entry". jazzdiscography.com.
Reception The AllMusic reviewer concluded that the album is "a perfect introduction to this tasteful, swinging and creative (within the bop mainstream) pianist."
Track listing "Bluebird" "Yesterdays" "50-21" "Blues in My Heart" "Barbados" "Beyond the Bluebird" "Nascimento" "The Con Man" "Something Borrowed Something Blue" "Bluebird After Dark"
Personnel Tommy Flanagan – piano Kenny Burrell – guitar George Mraz – bass Lewis Nash – drums
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