Flanagan, Coltrane, Burrell, Sulieman - The Cats [180g Vinyl]

The Cats stands as a remarkable collaboration captured during a pivotal moment in jazz history. Originally released on New Jazz, a subsidiary of Prestige Records, this session brought together pianist Tommy Flanagan, tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, backed by the formidable rhythm section of Louis Hayes on drums and Doug Watkins on bass. The album emerged after Coltrane's Prestige contract had ended, making it a rare glimpse of the saxophone innovator in a more relaxed, collaborative setting. Most of the compositions come from Flanagan's pen, showcasing his sophisticated harmonic approach and melodic sensibility. In a five-star review, AllMusic's Michael G. Nastos wrote that "from the opening number, you realize something special is happening," calling it "a must-buy for the ages." The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings noted that "it is Flanagan's stewardship of the house rhythm section that makes the gig his," recognizing the pianist's leadership throughout the session.

The album opens with Flanagan's "Minor Mishap," an up-tempo burner that sets the tone for the sophisticated interplay to come. George and Ira Gershwin's standard "How Long Has This Been Going On?" receives a tender ballad treatment, demonstrating the ensemble's sensitivity and restraint. Flanagan's Caribbean-tinged "Eclypso" adds rhythmic variety with its calypso influences, while "Solacium" offers introspective beauty with its modal harmonies. The session closes with "Tommy's Time," another Flanagan original that allows each musician space to stretch out. Throughout, Coltrane's warm tenor blends seamlessly with Burrell's fluid guitar lines and Sulieman's crisp trumpet, creating a cohesive sound that transcends typical blowing session territory. Notably, tracks 1, 3, 4, and 5 feature the full ensemble, while track 2 showcases Flanagan in a trio setting without the horns.

This audiophile pressing represents the gold standard in vinyl reissues. Part of Craft Recordings' Original Jazz Classics Series, the album benefits from all-analog AAA mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, working directly from the original master tapes recorded by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI (Record Technology Inc.), widely regarded as one of the finest pressing plants in the world, this edition delivers exceptional sonic clarity and warmth. The tip-on jacket uses traditional old-style construction with the printed image pasted onto heavy cardboard stock, providing durability and vintage authenticity. An obi strip adorns the jacket, adding collectible appeal while displaying pressing details. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every nuance of Van Gelder's original recording shines through with breathtaking fidelity.

• Format: 180g Audiophile Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Minor Mishap," "How Long Has This Been Going On?," "Eclypso"
• Pressing details: Original Jazz Classics Series, AAA all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, pressed at RTI, tip-on jacket, obi strip
• Genre/style: Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Jazz, Bebop
• UPC: 888072505049

A cornerstone recording from jazz's golden era, this impeccable pressing honors the artistry of five masters at the peak of their creative powers.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Minor Mishap (Written by Tommy Flanagan)
2. How Long Has This Been Going On? (Flanagan Trio) (Written by George Gershwin)
3. Eclypso (Written by Tommy Flanagan)

Side B:

1. Solacium (Written by Tommy Flanagan)
2. Tommy's Time (Written by Tommy Flanagan)