David Newman - House of David (Japan Edition) (2013)

David "Fathead" Newman made his name as the standout tenor saxophonist in the Ray Charles Band for 20 years, and seven of the 27 tracks in this set feature Newman echoing Charles's jazzy R&B vocals or piano riffs. Other tracks find Newman blowing behind R&B singers Zuzu Bollin, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Scott, Dr. John, and Aaron Neville. There was a soulful, vocal quality to Newman's sax, even on the instrumental jazz dates where he was the leader, and the melody and emotion of the song never slipped out of focus. Neither a great composer, improvisor, nor innovator, Newman was nonetheless a master of playing simple but appealing jazz variations on catchy R&B themes.--Geoffrey Himes

David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor Saxophone, Flute (A4)
Kossie Gardner - Organ
Ted Dunbar - Guitar
Milt Turner - Drums