Though Sam Newsome started out as a tenor/alto saxophonist, he has always been attracted to the sound of soprano saxophone, noting “The sound of the soprano allows me to be more lyrical and express what I hear.” As a soprano saxophonist, Newsome made a compelling debut album in 1998 entitled “The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn” (SCCD 31452). On this new album Mark Gardner remarks, “Sam’s soprano tone is becoming even more individual. Every note is beautifully enunciated, and while the shape of his improvisations benefits from his expressive ease, he can add an edge to his sound whenever he feels the music requires it..."