We Three, recorded in a single session on November 14, 1958, was the first American studio date as a bandleader for the diminutive and legendary jazz drummer
Roy Haynes, although with pianist
Phineas Newborn on board (along with bassist
Paul Chambers), it really is a set dominated by
Newborn, whose busy, two-handed technique here works in tandem balance with
Haynes' cool refinement.
Newborn was all about amazing and dazzling piano runs that on some dates created simply too much flash and clutter to allow pieces to flow and breathe properly, but
Haynes has always been about grace and flow throughout his career (if a drummer's style can said to be elegant,
Haynes fits the bill), and here he rubs off on
Newborn, who exercises just enough restraint to keep him in the proper orbit, resulting in a fine album. Highlights include the easy, pure swing of the opener, a version of
Ray Bryant's "Reflection," a wonderful and bluesy rendition of Avery Parrish's "After Hours" (which finds
Newborn in perfect balance between explosive ornamentation and smooth functionality), and a jaunty, fun spin through
Newborn's own "Sugar Ray," a tribute to boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. This trio had a brief recording career together, but as this solid set shows, they made the best of it. ~ Steve Leggett