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 straight-ahead, muscular 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