Jazz Scene USA - Phineas Newborn Jr. and Jimmy Smith

Starring:Phineas Newborn Jr., Jimmy Smith
Studio: SHANACHIE
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The two Jazz Scene USA episodes released here are perhaps the best of this short-lived 1962 series. Pianist Phineas Newborn Jr. created quite a stir in the late '50s, but mental illness kept him from being much of a presence beyond the early '60s. Here we see him at the top of his game--no interview with the host, just great jazz piano. His "Blues for the Left Hand Only" is both groovy and technically impressive, and his classically tinged version of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" is something even Swee'pea himself would have approved of. Jimmy Smith's set is nothing but full-on balls-to-the-wall organ jazz. "Walk on the Wild Side" starts easy and builds to a mad crescendo with Smith playing with both hands, both feet to the pedal, and his chin. God Bless America. --Kristian St. Clair

Customer Reviews:

masters at work.......2002-07-19

I've been waiting for something like this for 35 years!! Thx Amazon.com. The DVD shows a rare "live in TVstudio" session with the great Newborn jr. at his best(before his mental troubles), and an INCREDIBLE Jimmy Smith Trio touched by God, featuring Quentin Warren and Donald Bailey. The sound is very good, but the organ on the sound-mix is a little bit down, anyway sounds GREAT!!! You can get every secret of Jimmy's playing from the overhead shots (doesn't mean that you can do the same...hehehe!) Just buy it. Ten stars could be enought for this DVD.

A Perfect Gem Liberated From the Vaults ! ! !.......2001-06-04

This was a great TV that hosted by Oscar Brown Jr. and produced by the late great Steve Allen. It only ran one season (1962), but was definitely groundbreaking - - It was distinguished just as much by the incredible guests that came and sat in the casual setting, as the incredible camera work. - -Though the sound is a bit crackly now and then and shows the era in which it was made, the opportunity to see Jimmy Smith and his trio in his prime playing "The Champ", "Walk On The Wild Side" and "Mack The Knife" alone is worth the bread - - in fact, the overhead and unusual shots of Jimmy in action is well worth the price... they're so good you can even see the chords he's playing, his draw bar settings, even his feet from behind the console ! - - Phineas Newborn plays "Theme for Basie," "Lush Life," "Oleo" and "New Blues." - - Its a miracle that a gem like this wasn't lost in the vaults forever... and hurray to Amazon for carrying it !

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