Although these recordings were originally issued under the leadership of Tadd Dameron and Tommy Flanagan, the main figure of both sessions is unarguably the mythical tenor sax player John Coltrane. While the connection may not be obvious, the two albums included here have something else in common other than Coltrane"s presence and a close recording date: both present small groups (a quartet and a sextet) organized by a talented pianist who presents his own compositions. If Tadd Dameron seems a less brilliant pianist than Flanagan, this is compensated by his genius as a composer and arranger. On the other hand, Tommy Flanagan"s compositions are a bit less sophisticated than Dameron"s, but he is without a doubt a much more accomplished interpreter. Trane"s magic shines throughout both albums in what could be described as his "middle stage" of musical development. 11 tracks. Lonehill. 2007.