Jazz Articles about David "Fathead" Newman

David "Fathead" Newman at Pearl's

by Forrest Dylan Bryant
January 29, 2006

David “Fathead" NewmanJazz at Pearl'sSan Francisco, CAJanuary 22, 2006When David “Fathead" Newman picks up his weathered tenor saxophone and begins to blow, he doesn't compel you to listen with a towering tone or crazy acrobatics. He does it by connecting with his music on a human level, embodying a depth of feeling that suffuses the atmosphere of the room. You can't help but breathe it in.Newman comes from a world in which the ...

David "Fathead" Newman: Keeper of the Flame

by Gary Firstenberg
August 14, 2005

Saxophonist David “Fathead" Newman is best known for his many years playing in Ray Charles' bands from 1954 to the mid '60s and again in the early '70s. He got his start in Dallas and acquired his trademark nickname at Lincoln High, when band director J.K. Miller called him “Fathead" after he bungled a note in class. He has had a fascinating career in music, performing with numerous legends, participating in memorable and historic recording sessions and putting out his ...

David "Fathead" Newman: I Remember Brother Ray

by John Kelman
March 8, 2005

When Ray Charles passed away last June, his influence was so far reaching that there was little doubt all manner of tributes would soon follow. While there are bound to be attempts to capitalize on his death, nothing could be further from the truth in this case. Saxophonist David “Fathead" Newman got his first big break with Charles in the early '50s, playing in his band from '54 through '64 and making numerous guest appearances in the years to come. ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by C. Michael Bailey
February 7, 2005

With the title derived from the opening track, “It Might As Well Be Spring," singer Stevie Holland could be considered the personified restless willow. Holland has an easy vocal style that never falls prey to over-extension. She swings with a confident grace, her phrasing tasteful and accurate. These are the things that may strike the listener upon spinning Restless Willow for the first time. Skip on over to “Summertime" and hear a performance that will not blaze new trails in ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by Michael P. Gladstone
December 20, 2004

On her third album, singer Stevie Holland offers eleven well-balanced cabaret/jazz selections. She is accompanied by a good group that includes Kenny Washington, George Small, Tim Ferguson, Noel Sagerman, Sean Harkness, Steve Kroon, Joe Mennonna and a guest shot from David “Fathead" Newman. Holland has co-written and performed with producer Gary William Friedman in the past and her first album in 2000 consisted of all Friedman material. On this album, Friedman provides the arrangements and orchestrations including strings on some ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by Jim Santella
November 22, 2004

Singing standards with a clear delivery and a happy outlook, Stevie Holland gives her audience an intimate approach and a convincing, heartfelt persuasion.

James Taylor's “Sunny Skies" coasts along gently with a buoyant aura, allowing Holland to interpret its positive lyrics with a graceful piano trio alongside. “Zoot Walks In" brings an equally rosy outlook with jazz piano trio and tenor saxophone, but the drive of her interpretation glows with much more emphasis. It's the high point of ...

David "Fathead" Newman: Song for the New Man

by Joel Roberts
March 15, 2004

Although his playing has taken on a more refined sheen over the years, David “Fathead” Newman remains firmly rooted in the blues and R&B he was raised on in Texas, and which he honed during stints with T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulson and, most notably, Ray Charles. At 71, Newman’s now one of the last remaining heirs to the tough Texas tenor tradition of Herschel Evans, Buddy Tate, Illinois Jacquet and Arnett Cobb. But his latest effort shows ...