Captain Buckles / Front Money

by David Newman

Description by OLDIES.com:

Best known as a member of Ray Charles' band from 1954-1964, saxman David Newman was fortunate enough to learn from Charlie Parker's mentor, Buster Smith and has recorded with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann and Dr. John. On "Captain Buckles" he is backed by trumpeter Blue Mitchell, guitarist Eric Gale, Steve Novosel on bass and Bernard Purdie on drums. On "Front Money" he is backed by Roger Boykin on bass and guitar, William Richardson on drums, Cleveland Gay on trombone, Claude Johnson on piano and Adolphe Johnson on congos.

Product Description:

2 LPs on 1 CD: CAPTAIN BUCKLES (1971)/FRONT MONEY (1977).

Personnel: David "Fathead" Newman (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Roger Boykin (guitar, bass guitar); Eric Gale (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Claude Johnson (baritone saxophone, piano); Blue Mitchell (trumpet); Cleveland Gay (trombone); Steve Novosel (bass guitar); William Richardson (drums, percussion); Bernard Purdie (drums); Aldophe Washington (congas).

This two-for-one CD brings together a pair of 1970s albums by saxophonist/flautist David "Fathead" Newman--CAPTAIN BUCKLES (1971) and FRONT MONEY (1977). Both records traffic in funky, R&B-laden soul-jazz, with plenty of tight grooves from Newman's ace session band (including Blue Mitchell on trumpet). Of course, there is an abundance of soulful leads from Newman himself, who is equally at home on alto, tenor, or soprano saxophone, as well as the flute.

Newman's melodic sense and at-ease approach are unwavering on CAPTAIN BUCKLES's funk workouts ("Negus") and floating ballads (his pleasing cover of the Beatles' "Something"). FRONT MONEY begins with a rendition of "Amazing Grace," but segues into moody, groove-intensive music on the mid-tempo "Sneakin' In" and the burbling title track. There is an earthiness and accessibility to these albums (rhythm and mood are featured over technical flash) that makes them fun and appealing. This release is a treasure trove for DJs and beat-seekers, as well as a fine representation of Newman's '70s work.