Keep the Spirits Singing in Bloomington, MN

David "Fathead" Newman
is in top form throughout this straight-ahead
jazz
set, playing tenor sax on four of the seven numbers, flute on two, and alto on
"Willow Weep for Me."
Newman
is assisted by pianist
John Hicks
, bassist
Steve Novosel
, drummer
Winard Harper
, and, on three numbers, trombonist
Steve Turre
and percussionist
Steve Kroon
. In addition to
"Willow,"
the group performs two originals apiece by
and
O'Donel Levy
and songs by
Hicks
Turre
. The music is mostly soulful
hard bop
and quite well played. ~ Scott Yanow