Phineas Newborn
One of the most technically skilled and brilliant pianists in jazz during his prime, Phineas Newborn remains a bit of a mystery. Plagued by mental and physical problems of unknown origin, Newborn faded from the scene in the mid-'60s, only to re-emerge at irregular intervals throughout his life. Newborn could be compared to Oscar Peterson in that his bop-based style was largely unclassifiable, his technique was phenomenal, and he was very capable of enthralling an audience playing a full song with just his left hand.
He started out working in Memphis R&B bands with his brother, guitarist Calvin Newborn, and recorded with local players including B.B. King in the early '50s. Brief stints with Lionel Hampton and Willis Jackson preceded a period in the military (1952-1954). After moving to New York in 1956, Newborn astounded fans and critics alike. Although he worked briefly with Charles Mingus (1958) and Roy Haynes, Newborn usually performed at the head of a trio or quartet. His early recordings for Atlantic (1956), Victor, Roulette, and Contemporary are quite outstanding. Unfortunately, after the mid-'60s, Newborn's profile dropped sharply, and although there were further recordings for Contemporary (1969), Atlantic (1969), Pablo (1976) and the Japanese Philips (1977) label, and although he still sounded strong when appearing in public, the pianist was in danger of being forgotten by most of the jazz world during his last decade. Spending most of his time in Memphis, he was an inspiration to many younger pianists including James Williams, Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller, Donald Brown, and Geoff Keezer, who after Newborn's death would dedicate their work as the Contemporary Piano Ensemble to him. Fortunately, the episode of Jazz Scene USA that features Phineas Newborn in 1962 has been made available on a video by "Shanachie."
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Nine Classic Albums: 1956-1962
Jazz - Released by Tritone on Oct. 19, 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fabulous Phineas
Jazz - Released by RCA Victor on Jan. 6, 1958
The Qobuz Essential Discography16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Phineas' Rainbow (Mono Version)
Jazz - Released by BNF Collection on Jan. 1, 1958
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
We Three [RVG Remaster]
Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn, Paul Chambers
Jazz - Released by Prestige on Nov. 14, 1958
The Qobuz Essential Discography16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Phineas Newborn Plays Again!
Jazz - Released by BLUE MOON on Apr. 4, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Essential Piano Jazz Masters
Jazz - Released by Vintage Masters Inc. on Apr. 1, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
We Three
Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn, Paul Chambers
Jazz - Released by Fantasy Records on Nov. 14, 1958
The Qobuz Essential Discography16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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The Best of the Best: Phineas Newborn
Jazz - Released by Tsk Music on May 24, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Afternoon In Paris
Jazz - Released by Editione Jazz IT on Feb. 4, 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Phineas' Rainbow
Jazz - Released by Moon Beams Records on Aug. 1, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
We Three (Remastered)
Paul Chambers, Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn
Jazz - Released by Vintage Cellar on May 1, 1959
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Just at the Turn of the Tide
Jazz - Released by turn of the tide on Apr. 27, 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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We Three
Paul Chambers, Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn
Jazz - Released by Supreme Media on May 1, 1959
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
We Three
Paul Chambers, Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn
Jazz - Released by Supreme Media on May 1, 1959
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -