Tale of the Fingers is the premier recording from the John Goldsby Quartet.

Compositions on this CD include: "O.P." This Charles Mingus composition is a tribute to the great Oscar Pettiford. "Terrace" is a Goldsby original written for contemporaneous improvisation by all four players. "Three Short Stories for Bass and Piano" is a 14-minute suite composed by Bill Mays. This tour-de-force for the duo uses elements of classical and jazz music in unique and beautiful ways. "Tricotism" is a thorough "derangement" of the Oscar Pettiford classic. The form is lengthened and the chords are re-harmonized to reflect the harmonic style of the 90's. (The term "tricotism" is a medical term referring to a "third" heartbeat.)"Time and Again" is a solo bass piece conceived on the re-harmonized changes to "Time After Time." Can you hear it? "Seven Minds" is an medium-up tempo blower composed by bassist Sam Jones. "Twilight Time" is a solo bass rendition of the classic 50's doo-wop song. "Pitter, Panther, Patter" was originally composed by Duke Ellington for Jimmy Blanton. There is an added section for solos and trading in the middle of the form.