Veteran saxophonist
David "Fathead" Newman shows off his versatility on this pleasing soul-jazz date. He plays tenor on four selections and flute on two others, and switches to soprano and alto for one song apiece. Whether swinging on alto during the cooking blues "Little Sonny's Tune," interpreting "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" with a great deal of emotion, or sounding soulful on some newer material,
Newman is in excellent form throughout the set. Vibraphonist
Bryan Carrott (who deserves to be much better known) and pianist
John Hicks also have plenty of fine solos. Overall, this CD finds
Fathead in prime form, and it is easily recommended to fans of his straight-ahead dates. ~ Scott Yanow