While My Lady Sleeps

by Scott YanowThis CD reissue is mostly comprised of a 1957 set featuring the virtuosic pianist Phineas Newborn backed by a string orchestra led by Dennis Farnon. Although not as vital as his usual trio dates and Farnon's string arrangements are not too inspiring, the music is pleasing and finds Newborn in his early prime. Particularly noteworthy are his versions of Eddie Miller's "Lazy Mood," "While My Lady Sleeps" and "Bali Hati." Also on this set are three quartet numbers and an unaccompanied rendition of "What's New" from the RCA album Fabulous Phineas.