One of the most promising pianists to emerge on the English jazz scene during the second half of the 20th century is
David Newton, though he has yet to make a name for himself in the U.S. due to the erratic distribution of his recordings, all of which have been for English labels. These 1994 studio sessions for Candid include bassist Dave Green and drummer Allan Ganley. The brisk waltz setting of Rodgers & Hart's "My Romance" is immediately followed by a captivating treatment of their "There's a Small Hotel," with a particularly haunting solo performance by the leader.
Newton's compositions are also delightful, starting off with the playful post-bop "Get Lost" and the gorgeous pastoral ballad "Blessed Land."
Ganley contributed the easygoing bossa nova "June Time," while Green and
Newton jointly created their tasty duo blues with "Sugar Cake." The addition of a synthesizer proves distracting in
Newton's "Older and Wiser," though all is well with his hard bop finale "When Will I See You?" If you haven't yet discovered
David Newton, this CD is a great place to start. ~ Ken Dryden