Tivoli Encounter [live]

by Scott YanowAlthough pianist Phineas Newborn would live until 1989, this live set (released for the first time on a 1997 CD) is among his final recordings. Assisted by bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Bjarne Rostvold, Newborn performs a variety of bop standards, with the biggest surprise being a medley of "Trees" and "Tea for Two." Although still displaying impressive technique, Newborn does make some errors in spots and sounds just slightly past his prime. Whether those slips were caused by his mental problems or just being a little rusty are not known. However, even at only 80% of his powers, Newborn was still a powerful force, as he shows on such numbers as "Lady Be Good," Clifford Brown's "Daahoud" and "Oleo." Not essential, but still worthwhile.