In His Own Sweet Time

This is the story of a concert, which almost didn't happen. A story of a culture shock that struck somewhere between an American metropolis and a Bavarian small town. A story of a strong woman, who wants to shelter her husband at any price. And a story of a very special recording, which slumbered in the archives for over 26 years and would now see the light of day for the first time. So it is also a story with a happy-end, which nobody would have expected in this manner - other than Manfred Rehm and Matthias Winckelmann. Tommy Flanagan and his wife arrived in Neuburg the day before the concert, October 8th, 1994. The arched cellar of a historic court pharmacy, which hardly fits into the visual appearance of a small Bavarian town, rather reminding one of a New York jazz venue, seemed to surprise him. Politely smiling, the pianist overcautiously felt his way through the still unknown environment. A Bösendorfer Grand: "Wow!", a small but intense ambience, professional equipment, competent and friendly people everywhere anticipating every wish of their famous guest: all good, thumbs up! Simply the perfect place to celebrate Jazz in it's natural biotope of spontaneity and intimacy... Now that the legendary solo recording has been released the happy end is perfect. A quiet, deliberate, wonderful final point closes the incredible career of Thomas Lee Flanagan, who everybody called "Tommy", and who passed away on November 16th, 2001. A pianist whose ego was in blatant contrast to his magnificent capabilities.