** Rare original copies. Original 1987 LP pressing on Mythic Sounds, numbered edition. Unplayed copies from a dead-stock, minor wear due to ageing on covers. Comes with original hype sticker ** A lost gem of modern jazz piano returns: New Piano Expressions is the singular, visionary statement from John Dennis, the Philadelphia pianist once hailed as the “Fat Genius” by his peers. Recorded in 1955 for Debut Records - the pioneering label founded by Charles Mingus and Max Roach - this album stands as Dennis’s only recording as a leader, yet its impact and artistry continue to resonate with listeners and musicians alike.

At just 25, Dennis astonished the jazz world with his daring harmonic ideas, virtuosic technique, and a style that blended bebop fluency with classical impressionism. On New Piano Expressions, he is joined by Mingus on bass and Roach on drums for a series of trio tracks, while his solo performances-such as “Odyssey,” “Chartreuse,” and “Variegations”-reveal a pianist of rare sensitivity and imagination. Critics have compared his approach to Bud Powell, Art Tatum, and Don Shirley, noting his elliptical harmonies, rhapsodic lyricism, and fearless risk-taking.

The album’s original compositions and inventive takes on standards like “Cherokee” and “Someone to Watch Over Me” showcase Dennis’s full pianistic range-from bluesy introspection to dazzling, contrapuntal flights. The chemistry with Mingus and Roach is palpable, each musician pushing the boundaries of the jazz trio format. Tragically, Dennis’s career was cut short; he died in 1963 at just 33, leaving New Piano Expressions as his enduring legacy. The album’s rediscovery and reissue offer a rare glimpse into the brilliance of an artist whose potential was never fully realized, but whose artistry remains undiminished.

New Piano Expressions is not just a collector’s rarity-it is a vital document of jazz history, a testament to the creative spirit, and an invitation to discover the genius of John Dennis anew.