On this one we have both Sam Rivers and James Newton on flute, but separately in different live settings. Side 1 contains one tune played by the Sam Rivers Tuba Trio and the second side features three flute solos by James Newton. Rivers is joined by Joe Daley on tuba and french horn and Warren Smith on drums. Quite an unusual instrument line-up but it really blends together great. Tuba and french horn sounds awesome when played in this fashion and in this style of jazz. The tuba almost steps in for the double bass actually.
I really enjoy the flute solos by Newton on the second side. Fantastic player. I’ve enjoyed the flute in jazz for a long time but I’ve never listened to it in a solo format before. You really get a sense of the capacity of the player when it’s just a solo piece and live as well. Newton shows what an absolute master he was.
Unusual album which you should check out if flute is your thing.