The Crate
Tommy Flanagan
Confirmation
Confirmation is a 1982 Enja release by pianist Tommy Flanagan that compiles unreleased tracks from 1977–78 sessions linked to Eclypso and Ballads & Blues. It showcases Flanagan’s late-70s improvisational voice with a trio featuring George Mraz and Elvin Jones, plus a subset of duo tracks. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
2) Recording History
- Studios and dates: Recorded in New York City at Sound Ideas Studios and Penthouse Studio, on February 4, 1977 and November 15, 1978. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
- Producers: Horst Weber and Matthias Winckelmann produced the sessions that yielded the material later issued as Confirmation. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
- Engineering: Bob Drake is credited as engineer on the release. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/confirmation-mw0000652758?utm_source=openai))
- Personnel and format: Flanagan (piano) with George Mraz (bass); Elvin Jones drums on tracks 1, 2, 5, and 6, while tracks 3–4 are a duo with Mraz. Notable tracks include the alternate takes “Confirmation” and “Cup Bearers,” plus standards such as “How High the Moon” and “It Never Entered My Mind.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
3) Chart Performance & Recognition
- Charting and certifications: No major chart positions or certifications are listed in the standard discography sources for this archival release.
- Critical reception: AllMusic awarded the album 3 stars, reflecting a solid, well-regarded late-70s date in Flanagan’s catalog. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Legacy: As an archival collection, Confirmation preserves Flanagan’s interplays with Mraz and Jones from Eclypso-era dates, offering insight into his hard bop approach in the late 1970s. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
- Notable aspects: The inclusion of Parker’s “Confirmation” and Thad Jones’ “50-21” anchors the album in a tradition-steeped repertoire that remains of particular interest to collectors and Flanagan enthusiasts. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_%28Tommy_Flanagan_album%29))
In sum, Confirmation stands as a carefully curated snapshot of Flanagan’s improvisational breadth during a pivotal period, long prized by serious jazz listeners.