All Categories — CDs  

A compelling little record from pianist Phineas Newborn – and we don't just mean that because of it's bizarre image of "instrument love" on the cover! Newborn's got a touch on the piano that's unlike anyone else – kind of a key link between a number of different 50s modes – on the one hand the warmth and feeling you might get from some of the more laidback mainstream stylists, but on the other a sense of poise and economy that ranks right up there with the best small combo players too – really carefully balanced on a record like this, which does a great job of dispersing the energy over the tracks. Backing features John Simmons on bass and Roy Haynes on drums – and titles include "Love & Marriage", "Real Gone Guy", "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You", "I've Got The World On A String", and "Ivy League Blues".

The first album from Phineas Newborn in a number of years – and a set with a strong enough sound to warrant the "Phineas Is Back" in the title! Newborn's sound here has hardly dimmed at all – and he's still got that great blend of complicated flourishes and bluesier undercurrents that first made him an up and comer back in the 50s. The outing's a trio one – with drummer Jimmy Smith and bassist Ray Brown – both working with Phineas in a simple, unadorned way that allows the strongest focus on piano! Titles include "Salt Peanuts", "The Man I Love", "Abbers Song", "Tamarind Blues", and "Donald's Dream". CD features the bonus track "Just In Time".

Evocative piano portraits from Phineas Newborn – played in an illustrative style that's mighty nice! Newborn's got a touch on the keys that's like few other players we can think of – rich and full, yet without being too flowery or sentimental – a really nice balance that stands out best at this key point in his career. Trio backing is important to the sound, too – thanks to sensitive drum work from Roy Haynes, and very subtle bass from John Simmons. Titles include "Star Eyes", "Golden Earrings", "For Left Hand Only", "Chelsea Bridge", and "Caravan".

Howard McGhee and his trumpet team up with pianist Phineas Newborn, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and Shelley Manne on drums for this great early 60s session. The record features the McGhee original "Demon Chase" and two Teddy Edwards songs, "Sunset Eyes" and his salute to McGhee "Maggie's Back in Town." McGhee himself pays tribute to one of his favorite trumpet players, Clifford Brown by doing Brown's "Brownie Speaks." Other titles include "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," "Willow Weep for Me" and "Summertime."