DAVID "FATHEAD" NEWMAN "Life" HighNote
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"I TRIED TO CHOOSE compositions that people who listen to my music would be familiar with," reveals saxophonist-flutist David "Fathead" Newman in the liner notes to his new standards collection, "Life." That explains the inclusion of such vintage pop staples as "Autumn in New York," "I Can't Get Started" and "What a Wonderful World." But Newman's remarks don't begin to address the album's fundamental allure: It's not the tunes that matter so much; it's the tone, the unquestionably soulful sound of a seasoned master.
Nowhere is that more apparent than when Newman is playing tenor, warmly singing through his horn on "Girl Talk," the album's opener. His alto sax turns on "Autumn in New York" and "Old Folks" are similarly persuasive and surely will delight many listeners who first became acquainted with the Texas-born reedman through his pivotal recordings with Ray Charles. Even when the song choices border on hackneyed, Newman manages to justify their selection; a lyrical, flute-limned arrangement of "What a Wonderful World" is a prime example.
The most enjoyable performances, however, are inspired by compositions that aren't so frequently performed, such as the album's title waltz, composed by the late pianist John Hicks (to whom this recording is dedicated) and John Coltrane's haunting ballad "Naima." Newman continues to attract younger players drawn to his deeply rooted sound. The lineup is particularly impressive this time around, with vibraphonist Steve Nelson, guitarist Peter Bernstein, pianist David Leonhardt, bassist John Menegon and drummer Yoron Israel providing plenty of color, nuance and drive.
-- Mike Joyce
Appearing Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz.
