Beyond the Blue Bird explained

Beyond the Blue Bird
Type:	Studio
Artist:	Tommy Flanagan
Cover:	Beyond_the_Blue_Bird.jpg
Released:	1991
Recorded:	April 29–30, 1990
Studio:	Studio 44, Monster, Netherlands
Genre:	Jazz
Label:	Timeless
Chronology:	Tommy Flanagan
Prev Title:	Jazz Poet
Prev Year:	1989
Next Title:	Flanagan's Shenanigans
Next Year:	1993

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.^[1] 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.^[2]

Recording and music

The album was recorded on April 29 and 30, 1990, at Studio 44, in Monster, the Netherlands.^[3]

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

1. "Bluebird"
2. "Yesterdays"
3. "50-21"
4. "Blues in My Heart"
5. "Barbados"
6. "Beyond the Bluebird"
7. "Nascimento"
8. "The Con Man"
9. "Something Borrowed Something Blue"
10. "Bluebird After Dark"

Personnel

• Tommy Flanagan – piano
• Kenny Burrell – guitar
• George Mraz – bass
• Lewis Nash – drums

References

Bibliography

• Book: Bjorn , Lars . Before Motown: A History of Jazz in Detroit, 1920–60 . University of Michigan Press . 2001 .

Notes and References

1. 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.
2. Thurber, John (November 18, 2001) "T. Flanagan, 71; Jazz Pianist, Accompanist". Los Angeles Times.
3. Fitzgerald, Michael (October 2, 2011) "Tommy Flanagan Leader Entry". jazzdiscography.com.