GIFT

David "Fathead" Jordan, a native of Dallas, came to national prominence in the 1950s while working wit the legendary Ray Charles. He has been a reliably swinging force on the scene and a imaginative, well-respected leader for the past 4 decades. With keyboard giant John Hicks, Winard Harper propelling the rhythm along with vibist Bryan Carrott, the Gift is most definitely a hip way to start out the year.