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Jazz Articles about David "Fathead" Newman
About David "Fathead" Newman
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
Related Articles | Albums | Photos | Similar ToDavid "Fathead" Newman at Pearl's
by Forrest Dylan Bryant
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 ...
read moreDavid "Fathead" Newman: Keeper of the Flame
by Gary Firstenberg
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 ...
read moreDavid "Fathead" Newman: I Remember Brother Ray
by John Kelman
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. ...
read moreDavid "Fathead" Newman: Song for the New Man
by Joel Roberts
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 ...
read moreThe John Stein Trio: Green Street
by Glenn Astarita
Many jazz enthusiasts have received the resurgence of the “Organ Combo” with welcome arms. On Green Street, guitarist John Stein along with organist Ken Clark and drummer Dave Hurst pursue turf that originated in the 1950’s & 60’s following the traditional approaches of Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and others. The John Stein Trio along with guest star David “Fathead” Newman incite the listener’s imagination with an aggregate of toe-tapping, invigorating Stein originals and Ellington’s “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear ...
read moreDavid "Fathead" Newman: It's Mister Fathead
by Douglas Payne
This excellent collection couldn't have a better title. It's Mister Fathead accords Texas tenor David Newman with the respect he deserves, but inexplicably has not yet achieved. His muscular and likable tenor sound is readily identifiable and has worked its charms for listeners of Ray Charles (1954-64 and 1970-71), Herbie Mann (1972-74) and non-jazz personalities like Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Greg Allman and Natalie Cole. But this compilation focuses the spotlight on the tenor great's first four long out-of-print solo ...
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