The Cats was released in December 1959 on New Jazz, a subsidiary of Prestige Records. While spending time in Detroit in the mid-1950s, John Coltrane met pianist Tommy Flanagan. Fellow locals—drummer Louis Hayes, bassist Doug Watkins, and guitarist Kenny Burrell—joined the two, along with trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, for an energetic session.
• Though he became one of the most highly valued jazz pianists, Tommy Flanagan’s appearances during this era were primarily as a sideman: well-appreciated by his fellow musicians, but not recognized for his display of superior abilities by a wider audience.
• This album let the pianist shine, containing nearly all Flanagan-penned tunes. Coltrane, Burrell, and Idrees Sulieman were choice, empathic soloists, and it is a delight to hear them interact with Tommy and his rhythm section.
• This 180-gram reissue was cut from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray and pressed at RTI, and comes packaged in a tip-on jacket with Obi.
John Coltrane (1926-1967) was one of the most influential jazz musicians in history. The saxophonist was always seeking to take his music further in what he quite consciously viewed as a spiritual quest.
Kenny Burrell (b. 1931) is one of the great jazz guitarists, and, during the 50s and 60s, was not only a leader, but also a sideman to the likes of Oscar Peterson, Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett.
Idrees Sulieman (1923-2002) was a bop and hard bop trumpeter, known for his work Thelonious Monk, Cab Calloway, Coleman Hawkins and Kenny Clarke.
Tommy Flanagan (1930-2001) was a Detroit native, who began his career playing piano with the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, before becoming Ella Fitzgerald’s full-time accompanist. Flanagan is considered to be one of the great Jazz pianists..
Track Listing:
Side A
1. Minor Mishap
2. How Long Has This Been Going On?
3. Eclypso
Side B
1. Solacium
Tommy’s Time
