David "Fathead" Newman's final recording session took place just a few weeks before his death from pancreatic cancer. Although he obviously doesn't exhibit the power heard on his earlier recordings, like
Charlie Rouse and
Stan Getz before him (fellow cancer victims who recorded not long prior to their deaths),
Newman more than holds his own throughout the date, joined by vibraphonist
Steve Nelson, pianist David Leonhart, guitarist
Peter Bernstein, bassist
John Menegon, and drummer
Yoron Israel. In the opener,
Milt Jackson's tasty blues "SKJ,"
Newman takes a soft-spoken approach that follows the old adage that less is often more. His lush take of "As Time Goes By" features
Nelson first, then his heartfelt vibrato at the end of each line adds a sentimental air. The fresh, exotic approach to Charlie Chaplin's tearjerker ballad "Smile" has the flavor of a tropical island paradise. "Chelsea Bridge" seems all but owned by the late tenor giant
Ben Webster, so
Newman simultaneously salutes his predecessor while putting a bit of his own touch to it. The final track, "The Blessing," an original by the leader, is a funky feature for his flute, with just a touch of gospel.
Newman benefited from frequent recording opportunities with HighNote during his last years, and he went on top with this fine effort. ~ Ken Dryden