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.

PERSONNEL:

DAVID "Fathead" NEWMAN, alto & tenor sax

RAY CHARLES, piano

BENNIE CRAWFORD, baritone sax

MARCUS BELGRAVE, trumpet

EDGAR WILLIS, bass

MILTON TURNER, drums

Side A:

1. Hard Times - 4:39
2. Weird Beard - 4:46
3. Willow Weep For Me - 4:56
4. Bill For Bennie - 4:14

Side B:

1. Sweet Eyes - 3:43
2. Fathead - 5:20
3. Mean To Me - 4:13
4. Tin Tin Deo - 5:18