David Newman Fathead - The Blessing - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

First time on CD for this 1976 album from the Jazz saxophonist. Originally issued on Warner Brothers records, it features jazz luminaries Ron Carter, Jimmy Johnson, Pat Rebillot, Anthony Jackson, Ralph MacDonald and Patti Austin. Wounded Bird. 2010.

After decades in the music business, it's clear that David InchFatheadInch Newman has become one of the premier tenor players in a number of genres ranging from soul, funk, straight-ahead and post-bop jazz. His latest recordings for HighNote displays his formidable triple-threat skills on tenor sax, alto sax and flute. Newman's sultry tenor speaks volumes with his smooth and subtle phrasing, blowing masterfully with excellent accompaniment from keyboard great Cedar Walton and the legendary trombonist Curtis Fuller who gives the ensemble sound a pleasing new depth. Newman's playing remains at once forceful and delicate, noon-day bright and crepuscular, straight-forward and recondite and shows the many facets of both the man and the musician.

David Newman's latest offering, CITYSCAPE, finds him leading a four-horn unit, reminiscent of the Ray Charles little big band sound. David delivers perhaps his most ambitious project yet and provides an auspicious start for the 2006 jazz year.