There are really few words to describe the musical genius of Phineas Newborn Jr. He was born in Memphis on December 14, 1931 and died at age 57 in 1989. He could play a variety of instruments besides the piano....bass, drums, trumpet, tenor saxophone but it is genius at the piano that will give Mr. Newborn his place in Jazz History. Newborn had it all, touch, he made the piano ring with beauty, he used space and yet could make blindingly fast double octave runs and had a knack for re-harminizing tunes instantly like Art Tatum. Newborn's idols were, Tatum, Peterson and Bud Powell but he forged his own way and his own distinctive style. Intermittent mental illness forced him many times during his career to enter hospitals to recover so he was off and on the scene. This was a detriment to his fame, career and recognition and ultimately his early demise. Newborn deserves a place of honour like his idols because he was on their level. Tonight's Feature is a productive recording session from 1961 with top-grade Newborn and a deluxe rhythm section with Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. 6 Jazz standards are explored plus 2 Newborn originals.This will give anyone an idea of the scope and majesty of his playing. Long live Phineas ("Finus") Newborn!

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