David "Fathead" Newman - It's Mister Fathead [2CD Set] (1998)

Although best known as a tenor saxophonist, David "Fathead" Newman is an equally talented altoist and flutist. This 1998 double CD brings back Newman's first four sets as a leader (originally made for the Atlantic label), and the dates give one a definitive portrait of Newman in a variety of jazz settings. Ray Charles Presents David Newman (which is highlighted by "Hard Times," "Weird Beard," "Sweet Eyes," and "Mean to Me") teams the leader with trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Hank Crawford (who sticks to baritone), and pianist Ray Charles in a sextet. Straight Ahead has Newman joined by pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Charlie Persip. The 1960 date starts off with "Batista's Groove" (which borrows some of its ideas from "Giant Steps"), and sometimes has Newman showing off the influence of John Coltrane on tenor. However, his flute playing on "Night of Nisan" is quite original, and Newman holds his own with the rather illustrious rhythm section. Fathead Comes On, performed by a quintet, is most notable for trumpeter Belgrave's consistently inventive playing, while House of David (from 1967) finds the leader recalling Stanley Turrentine a bit with a quartet that also features organist Kossie Gardner and guitarist Ted Dunbar. Even with a few lightweight tracks on the latter session, the music overall is rewarding, with "The Holy Land" being a highlight. Highly recommended.