Scott Flanigan - Point of Departure: a mix of intelligent originals and deftly re-arranged standards

Emerging Belfast pianist Scott Flanigan has been making a name for himself as a side man over the last few years, including appearances with demanding taskmasters like Van Morrison and Nigel Mooney, and in his down time he has earned himself a master’s degree from Dublin Institute of Techbology.

The pianist’s first salvo under his own name is a classic piano trio album, with fellow Belfast man Steve Davis on drums and Clare-born bassist Neil O’Loghlen in fine and supportive form.

Throughout the set – a mix of intelligent original compositions and deftly re-arranged standards – the influence of Brad Mehldau is most discernible (and frankly acknowledged by Flanigan), but there is enough here to suggest the Belfast pianist may yet make a statement of his own.

[ scottflanigan.com ]