The Jazz.com Blog
January 27, 2008 · 1 comment
75th Birthday Bash for David 'Fathead' Newman
David 'Fathead' Newman's 75th Birthday
Photo by Rick Gilbert (skyhookentertainment.net)
Jazz.com's Ralph Miriello was in attendance at Iridium Jazz on Thursday for an all-star celebration in honor of David 'Fathead' Newman's 75th birthday. He sends us this update, which we are publishing along with photos by Rick Gilbert. Jazz.com also thanks Jim Eigo for his help on this report.T.G.
It was a cold January night in New York when the first evening of a planned four night celebration honoring journeyman saxophonist David Fathead Newman s 75th birthday was held at the Iridium jazz club. David Newman was dapperly dressed in a black turtleneck and blazer, doffing a very stylish black beret. Newman exuded the look of a sophisticated, mature, cool jazz musician. In speaking to Mr. Newman between sets, he let on that his birthday is actually a month after the celebration. He was born on February 24, 1933 in Corsicana, Texas; but, no matter, this was a time when old friends and colleagues could all join in this very special jazz celebration.
David 'Fathead' Newman
Photo by Rick Gilbert (skyhookentertainment.net)
Newman is probably best known for his nearly ten-year stint with the great Ray Charles, helping to create a horn-section sound that was immediately identifiable. By 1958 he had begun his journey as a solo artist with a series of LPs on Atlantic records. His debut album Fathead contains what is arguably his most famous composition, "Hard Times and included long time friends and collaborators Hank Crawford on baritone and Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, along with the inimitable Charles on piano.
His work as a sessions and studio player showcased his bluesy, soulful full tenor sound, but he has also provided some stirring work on alto and flute. He has been featured on countless jazz, soul and blues albums throughout the years and so it was not surprising that this special event brought out some formidable jazz contemporaries as well as some younger admirers.
The first set on Thursday included a stirring version of Milt Jacksons Bags Groove with the great Phil Woods on alto saxophone, in a rare club appearance, alongside Newman on tenor and unannounced guest John Scofield on guitar. The rhythm section included Warren Bernhardt on piano, John Menagon on bass and Yoron Israel on drums. This group could swing. Scofield and Woods were replaced on the next tune by Marcus Belgrave on trumpet and the venerable Jimmy Cobb taking over for Israel on drums. On Newmans own Hard Times the stage included Howard Johnson on baritone saxophone, the elder statesman Benny Powell on trombone and soulful guitar wizard Melvin Sparks. Cobb and Menagon kept the groove swinging and Newmans broad smile was evident throughout. This was a soulful display of old friends coming together to celebrate life and make music. The first set ended with Sonny Rollins tune Oleo the perfect vehicle to allow Howard Johnson to showcase his formidable chops, Powell to let loose and Newman to swing out on tenor over Cobbs driving percussion.
Paul Shaffer, photo by Rick Gilbert
(skyhookentertainment.net)
The second sets highlights included a stirring Woods solo on the crowd requested Body and Soul. The alto icon was in relaxed and flowing form as he sat back in his trademark leather fishermans cap to do this classic piece poetic justice. Newman responded with his own grand reply on tenor and the two saxophone masters ended the tune in friendly harmonic interplay. David Letterman band leader, Paul Shaffer was introduced from the audience and proceeded to take over piano duties with an unexpected vocal rendition of the Charles classic Unchain My Heart. Shaffers comic yet masterful approach to the song brought the house to satisfyingly joyful applause. Pianist John DiMartino and trumpeter David Weiss joined in on a jumping rendition of Bobby Timmons soul/jazz mainstay Moanin and the night ended with the classic Dizzy Gillespies Night in Tunisa with stirring solos by Weiss, Johnson, Newman and DiMartino.
If the soft spoken Newman had any doubts about his impact on the world of music or the friendship and respect he has garnered from his fellow musicians over the years, all doubts were shattered by the outpouring of love and respect that was gathered at the Iridium this night. This was a night of joyful appreciation and great music.
This blog entry posted by Ralph A. Miriello
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Trying to get sheet music for Hard Times. Can you help?