Ray Charles Presents David Newman - Fathead (1958) [vinyl>flac]

Fathead: Ray Charles Presents David "Fathead" Newman (also referred to as Ray Charles Sextet) is the debut release of jazz saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman. Teamed with Ray Charles, ‘Bennie’ aka Hank Crawford and others; this sextet really gets down and plays a number of great tunes, three of which are written by Hank and one by David himself “Fathead”; the rest fine standards, enjoy!

The talented David Newman, who alternates on this album between tenor and alto, made his debut as a leader at this session. Since he was in Ray Charles' band at the time, Newman was able to use Charles on piano along with Hank Crawford (here called "Bennie Crawford") on baritone, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, bassist Edgar Willis, and drummer Milt Turner. The music is essentially soulful bebop, with the highlights including "Hard Times," "Fathead," "Mean to Me," and "Tin Tin Deo." Everyone plays well and this was a fine start to David "Fathead" Newman's career. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG.

Atlantic Records, SD 1304, 1960

Recorded 5^th November, 1958 at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York City

Ray Charles Sextet:

David "Fathead" Newman - Alto Sax (#A1,A3,B3), Tenor Sax (#A2,A4,B1,B2,B4)

[Bennie] Hank Crawford - Baritone Saxophone

Marcus Belgrave - Trumpet

Ray Charles - Piano

Edgar Willis - Double Bass

Milton [Milt] Turner - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Hard Times {Paul Mitchell} (4:41)

A2. Weird Beard {Bennie Crawford} (4:48)

A3. Willow Weep For Me {Ann Ronell} (4:57)

A4. Bill For Bennie {Bennie Crawford} (4:15)

B1. Sweet Eyes {Bennie Crawford} (3:44)

B2. Fathead {David "Fathead" Newman} (5:21)

B3. Mean To Me {Fred Ahlert, Roy Turk} (4:14)

B4. Tin Tin Deo {Gil Fuller, Chano Pozo} (5:19)

Credits:

Supervision - Nesuhi Ertegün, Jerry Wexler

Recording Engineer - Tom Dowd

Cover Photo - Lee Friedlander

Cover Design - Marvin Israel