Little Phineas

The release of “Doo-Woppin' in Birdland” by Little Phineas and The Pheasants marks a major destination in a musical journey that has encompassed 40 + years. This CD brings to lovers of doo-wop a collection of doo-wop delights that have been favorites of Little Phineas over the years. They are presented here with fresh new Little Phineas treatments, including vocal harmonies by the Pheasants, and instrumental backgrounds by the Birdland Boppers band. Two Little Phineas originals, “Love Of A Lifetime” and “Mr. Phineas” are also included. We hope you will enjoy them.

Producing “Doo-Woppin’ in Birdland” has certainly been a labor of love. There has been complete freedom in choosing the material and deciding on just how to arrange it. The first choice for recording would have been Fortune studios in Detroit, to capture the raw excitement, which characterized much of their recorded output. But as Fortune no longer exists (even the building is gone), it was decided to go with a serene location in the mountains of Pennsylvania, which would provide a relaxed and peaceful environment for all those involved. Working with Little Phineas & The Pheasants has been a pleasant experience, almost like dealing with an extension of myself. Although there was a diverse mix of personalities, our shared love of the music and total commitment to the project, made for a harmonious collaboration.

Little Phineas hopes you'll be "pheasantly" surprised when you purchase a copy of his new CD. But Little Phineas also knows that every little Swallow and every Chickadee out in Birdland would like to have an idea of what they're getting, before they part with their hard earned dollars. So here are MP3 samples for you to check out of some of the 22 main tracks. And please note that Little Phineas isn't stingy either. You don't get a measly 12 or 14 tracks on his CD, but rather 22 delightful digitally mastered doo-wop tracks with full group vocals and instrumental backing + you get 2 more bonus acappella tracks. That's a very generous 24 tracks in all. So be like the "Wise Old Owl" and listen to a preview of the CD tracks, and then order your Little Phineas & The Pheasants CD with confidence.

1) Wings Of An Angel	12) How Can I Find True Love
2) Zoom, Zoom, Zoom	13) When You Dance
3) You Are	14) Love Of A Lifetime
4) Shifting Sands	15) Baby I Love You So
5) Congratulations	16) Oh Baby
6) A Fallen Tear	17) Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild
7) Only The Angels Know	18) It’s Too Soon To Know
8) So Fine	19) Let’s Start All Over Again
9) Made Up My Mind	20) Who’s That Knocking
10) Mr. Phineas	21) The Way Love Should Be
11) You’re The Only Girl Dolores	22) Danny Boy
BONUS Acappella Tracks----------------------->>	23)Wings Of An Angel 24)Made Up My Mind

In choosing the material for the CD, Little Phineas for the most part has selected songs, which have been favorites of his for many years. We also made a conscious effort to try to avoid material that has been covered extensively already. Some of the tunes will be familiar to the mainstream oldies listener. But by digging a little deeper into the repertoire, we hope to bring greater exposure to some of what might be labeled as “collectors type” doo-wop. In addition, Little Phineas has written two original songs that are presented here for the first time. “Mr. Phineas” is an uptempo doo-wop, designed to acquaint the gentle listener to some pertinent facets of the Phineas legacy. “Love of A Lifetime” is a ballad written by Little Phineas for his special lady.

Little Phineas - History 101

Little Phineas first discovered doo-wop some 40 + years ago. It was a time in the early 1960’s when pop music on the radio was a sea of banality. But fortune smiled on Phineas. He learned of a time recently gone by, when groups of singers would lift their voices in close harmony, and sing heartfelt anthems. It was the time when “Rock & Roll” was in its infancy. We didn’t call it doo-wop then, but that’s how we know it today. Little Phineas feverishly sought out recordings from these heady days and soon began to emulate their sounds, surrounding himself with other singers who shared this love. He performed for enthusiastic audiences, who reacted to these “oldies” songs as if they were new and undiscovered musical gems. But as the 1960’s progressed, the times and music changed. Little Phineas soon felt like a baby bird that had fallen pre-maturely from the nest, and now was surrounded by a world full of menacing predators. He became increasingly reclusive, and only rarely would he gather together his Pheasants for times of vocal festivity. But eventually the inner spark could not be denied. It had never really died, and when opportunity presented itself once again, Little Phineas decided it was time to re-emerge. Since that re-emergence, Little Phineas (often performing under a pseudonym) has had the chance to share the stage with many of the fine vocal groups who inspired him in his youth. “Doo-Woppin’ In Birdland” presents Little Phineas in a multi-faceted role as writer, arranger, vocalist and musician.

Over the years the make-up of the Pheasants has been ever changing. With the seasonal distractions of mating season, and the ravages of hunters taking their toll, it’s hard to keep a bird group together. The Pheasants members you’ll hear chirping away with Little Phineas on this CD are:

On behalf of myself, and Little Phineas and The Pheasants, we of course appreciate all the great artists who originally created these wonderful songs way back when. Whether or not they were hits, they have stood the test of time, and still provide enjoyment today after all these years. Thanks to the artists, DJs and promoters who have helped keep the doo-wop scene alive and vital for 50 + years. And special thanks go out to my special lady, Nikki who has provided lots of encouragement and also shown considerable patience, as this project has come to fruition.

If you haven't yet ordered a Little Phineas & The Pheasants CD, now would be a great time to do so. Or listen to some of the CD song samples above, if you need a little preview first.

If you have already purchased the CD, then thanks so much for putting your faith in myself and Little Phineas. And now would be an especially good moment to load the "Doo-Woppin' In Birdland" CD in your CD player. Get ready to tap your toes and flap your feathers, and sing along if you want to. Fairway Productions proudly presents for the first time, Little Phineas & The Pheasants.

Little Phineas & The Pheasants

BONUS Acappella Tracks----------------------->>

Little Phineas - History 101

Jim Dunn