Tribute to David “Fathead” Newman
The jazz community and music world has lost two very influential musicians to health related problems. Recently jazz trumpet great Freddie Hubbard moved on and now the legendary saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman. For those of you that have followed the career of Ray Charles you should be acquainted with the warm timbre of Mr. Newman’s sweet tenor sound. In the meantime, we decided to take a moment and pay homage/celebrate with three stellar recordings on Highnote Records plus one swinging live set via YouTube by to this incredible sax master. My, my my David “Fathead” Newman will be sorely missed, but his music surely lives on. Blessing to the Newman family, friends and his peers during they’re time of bereavement.

David "Fathead" Newman
David “Fathead“ Newman | Diamondhead [Jazz/Highnote Records/2008]
Diamondhead is David “Fathead” Newman’s seventh album in as many years for High Note. It was issued a few weeks short of his 75th birthday with his longtime collaborator and friend Houston Person as co-producer. The band assembled for this date is made up of longtime associates of the reedman; most of whom have actually appeared on his High Note releases. Fellow Texas native Cedar Walton is in the piano chair (virtually the same age, the pair attended the same high school but didn’t play together until the ’60s), and legendary trombonist Curtis Fuller is on the other horn — he has known Newman and played with him since the ’80s, as has bassist Peter Washington. Drummer Yoron Israel was instrumental in creating the great depth and breadth of Life, the last Newman offering on the label. ~ Source: Amazon.com/Steven Jay