Requisites

Please Send Me Someone To Love ~ Phineas Newborn Jr. | By Eddie Carter

Phineas Newborn Jr. was an exceptional pianist and one of my favorite musicians growing up. The first album I encountered by him as a teenager is this morning’s selection from the library. Please Send Me Someone To Love (Contemporary Records S7622) hit the stores in 1969 and is an excellent trio album. It was his fourth release for Lester Koenig’s label and is a companion to Harlem Blues, released six years later in 1975. Both albums were recorded during the same sessions, with the superb rhythm section of Ray Brown on bass and Elvin Jones on drums. My copy is the 1969 U.S. deep groove Stereo release.

The first side opens with Percy Mayfield’s Please Send Me Someone To Love, featuring a smooth, slow-tempo melody. Phineas delivers a dreamy solo, evoking a sense of longing and comfort, resulting in one of the album’s most beautiful moments. Ray and Elvin’s gentle accompaniment leads the trio back to the theme and a quiet, reflective conclusion. Rough Ridin’, an upbeat piece by Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Jones, and Bill Tennyson follows with an energetic melody by the ensemble. Phineas showcases his joyful groove with impressive skill as the only soloist, culminating in the group’s lively finish.

Come Sunday by Duke Ellington is a beautiful ballad that starts with Phineas’ tender solo introduction and flows seamlessly into the trio’s lovely melody. The pianist shines as the centerpiece, delivering an attractive, elegant interpretation with great warmth before a soft and gentle ending. Ray’s bass steers the course into Brentwood Blues by Phineas Newborn Jr., setting the stage for the ensemble to swing effortlessly through the melody. Phineas initiates the opening statement, articulating each note and verse with clarity. Ray then takes a brief, soulful walk to the closing chorus and climax.

Side Two starts with He’s A Real Gone Guy by Nellie Lutcher. Elvin’s Latin-flavored introduction breathes life into the track briskly, setting the stage for the trio’s lively theme. Phineas takes the lead with a vigorous interpretation, and Elvin’s electrifying brushwork fuels the finale, bringing the trio’s ending theme to a dynamic close. Black Coffee by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster opens with a profoundly moving piano introduction by Phineas, transitioning into an intimately soft melody. His beautiful performance is anchored by the solid foundation laid by Ray and Elvin ahead of a lovely finale.

Little Niles is a jazz waltz by Randy Weston that is a tribute to his son. The trio’s version is delightfully vibrant, with Ray and Elvin’s introduction effortlessly shifting into the melody. Phineas showcases his impeccable technique during the song’s only solo, leading smoothly to the reprise and the song’s close. Stay On It, by Count Basie and Tadd Dameron, secures a swinging makeover with Phineas’ solo introduction. The trio’s lively opening chorus follows, with Ray and Elvin providing a solid foundation, allowing Phineas to deliver a remarkable interpretation in the song’s only solo, leading to the trio’s exit.

Lester Koenig was the producer and recording engineer for Please Send Me Someone To Love. The album’s impeccable sound quality creates the illusion that the trio is performing live in your listening room. If you seek an outstanding trio album, I wholeheartedly recommend Please Send Me Someone To Love by Phineas Newborn Jr.  It is an excellent addition to any jazz library, serving as a perfect introduction for new listeners to his music and a delight for seasoned collectors and fans. This album also pairs beautifully with Harlem Blues and is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast of piano trios!

~ Harlem Blues (Contemporary Records S7634) – Source: Discogs.com

~Come Sunday – Source: JazzStandards.com

~Black Coffee, Little Niles, Please Send Me Someone To Love – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2025