Overseas

Born in Detroit on March 16, 1930 (he died in New

York on November 16, 2001), pianist Tommy Flanagan

had already participated on more than 25 albums by

the time Overseas was taped, an impressive number

considering that his fi rst studio appearance was in

March 1956. This 1957 trio session recorded in Sweden

marked Flanagan's fi rst album as a leader. The pianist

was touring with trombonist J. J. Johnson--along with

Wilbur Little and Elvin Jones--when these recordings

were made. His initial trio LP gives proof of Flanagan's

musical depth, showing that he wasn't just a pianist but

also a solid composer. Most of this date is devoted to

Flanagan's compositions, though only one, "Eclypso,"

remained in his repertoire for long. This engaging

piece alternates between calypso and bop, with Jones

switching between sticks and brushes.