Piano Portraits By Phineas Newborn

 

Caravan

Piano Portraits by Phineas Newborn

Produced by Teddy Reig

Roulette Birdland R 52031

1958

Phineas Newborn - Piano

Roy Haynes - Drums

John Simmons - Bass

From the back cover: The talents of Phineas Newborn known no bounds. His freedom of expression and unrestrained delivery is an inherent quality that only great musicians possess and display. He is a breed that will never permit complications or restrictions to set in and mar his work. The fact that Phineas is direct and completely free in his style does not mean that he is not a technician – a master of his art. This album, among other things, proves this fact. It allows us to hear Phineas as he paints his own piano portraits of some of the most memorable songs ever written. With an able assist from such jazz colleagues as Roy Haynes on drums and John Simmons on bass, Phineas manages to breathe new excitement into these familiar portraits.

Let's take, as case in point, his approach to two different songs: "I Can't Get Started" is given a touching, relaxed feeling, while the Cole Porter piece, "It's Alright With Me" sparkles with verve and has a drive to it right through to the end. Another interesting case in point is a song called "(Blues Theme) For Left Hand Only." Phineas does just what the title calls for... he plays this entire blues composition with just his left hand, never once going to the right.

Mention should be made of two compositions that belong in the Duke Ellington school of jazz. Phineas included "Caravan" and "Chelsea Bridge" because of his obvious admiration of this school of music. Finally, but certainly not least of all, is the rare performance he delivers here of the beautiful ballad, "For All We Know." He plays it straight all the way; he is melodic, sensitive, sentimental. He has an apparent deep feeling for this song and he makes the listener aware of this by his almost reverent interpretation.

This is the sound of Phineas Newborn – he is a master who owes his allegiance to on one. He feels his jazz and as he feels it he plays it. His Piano Portraits will become a favorite of yours almost at once and will take an honored place in your gallery of recorded music.

From Billboard - October 12, 1959: Newborn gives out with thoughtful interpretation on a group of standards and an original or two. He's fleet and deft on the up-numbers, and the ballads are also inventively styled. He gets excellent support from Roy Haynes on drums and John Simmons on bass. Sound is excellent. With exposure this could be a good seller. Selections include a fine treatment of "Just In Time," (Blues Theme) For The Left Hand Only" and "Sweet And Lovely."

Star Eyes

Golden Earrings

It's Alright With Me

I Can't Get Started

Sweet And Lovely

Just In Time

Caravan

For All We Know

(Blue Theme) For The Left Hand Only

Chelsea Bridge