Dave Newman - Fathead Comes On (1961) [2012 Japan 24-bit Remaster]

Features 24 bit remastering and comes with a mini-description. Early work from David Fathead Newman – so early, the cover has him listed as "Dave" on the front! The album steps nicely off Newman's early work with Ray Charles – and does plenty to establish him as a leader on his own – putting Newman's bold, soulful tenor right upfront in the mix – and backing him with small combo players who include Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Norris Austin on piano, and Hank Crawford on a bit of piano! There's a deep undercurrent that's mighty nice – almost a rootsier quality than on other Newman albums – and titles include "Cellar Groove", "Hello There", "Alto Sauce", and "Scufflin'".
This 1961 David "Fathead" Newman album picks up where 1961's STRAIGHT AHEAD left off. However, this release is slightly less bebop-oriented. Instead, Newman blends together hard bop with his own R&B roots. (He was a key member of Ray Charles's band for many years.)
FATHEAD COMES ON is a very bluesy album, but also contains its share of tricky melodies and ambitious arrangements. Highlights include "Unchain My Heart," which is the funkiest tune on the disc, and "Cellar-Groove," which begins with a clever train rhythm; here the locomotive sound is simulated by the repetitive hi-hat work of Charlie Persip and the boogie-woogie playing of pianist Norris Austin. The disc ends with "Lady Day," a tribute to Billie Holiday, which is, not surprisingly, a somber ballad. Hard-bop records from this era typically lean on the influence of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, but FATHEAD COMES ON is a statement unto itself, and therefore, a very compelling listen.

Tracks:

01. Unchain My Heart (3:09)
02. Cellar Groove (5:41)
03. Alto Sauce (3:43)
04. Hello There (4:31)
05. Scufflin' (5:17)
06. Esther's Melody (4:05)
07. Lady Day (6:38)

Personnel:

Dave "Fathead" Newman - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Marcus Belgrave - trumpet
Norris Austin, Hank Crawford - piano
Jimmy Jefferson, Edgar Willis - bass
Charlie Persip, Bruno Carr - drums