At the age of 70, veteran tenor saxophonist
David "Fathead" Newman is in prime form throughout this well-rounded set. He jams bebop on
Charlie Parker's "Visa," shows off his large tone on the ballads "Time After Time" and "When I Fall in Love," romps on the boogaloo "Shakabu," pays tribute to his former boss
Herbie Mann on "Passing Through," and plays flute quite expertly on "Song for the New Man." Also quite worthy are a pair of
Newman's newer songs, "Fast Lane" and "Lonesome Head." Trombonist
Curtis Fuller is in excellent form during his six appearances and pianist
John Hicks leads a particularly supportive rhythm section. Highly recommended to straight-ahead jazz fans, this set shows that
David "Fathead" Newman, who has had a diverse career, is at heart a big-toned swinger in the tradition of
Gene Ammons. ~ Scott Yanow