David "Fathead" Newman - The BlessingPersonnel: Peter Bernstein (guitar); David Leonhardt (piano); John McNegon (bass instrument); Yoron Israel (drums).
The
late David "Fathead" Newman was one of those rare musicians who could
shine in almost any context--his powerful tenor saxophone made its mark
in rhythm & blues (he was in Ray Charles's band for many years),
rock & roll, blues, and jazz. His final recording session took
place mere weeks before his death, and BLESSING is a fine last
testament. It's a sturdy set of mainstream bebop with undertones of
blues, gospel, and soul, Newman's tenor balancing a steely-hard sound
with a breathy, romantic approach (think Ben Webster meets King
Curtis). The program is a nice mix of renowned and lesser-known tunes,
the band (including vibist Steve Nelson and guitarist Peter Bernstein)
savvy and in the pocket. | Sadly,
this was to be David's last recordings but it finds no decline in his
creativity or his formidable chops. Ever the master, David leads his
preferred sidemen through a fine session caught at the Rudy Van Gelder
Studio. David's authoritative playing sums up a lifetime of experience
and grants us a look at his final, intensely personal thoughts on music
and, by extension, life itself. AMG Review | by Ken Dryden | David
"Fathead" Newman's final recording session took place just a few weeks
before his death from pancreatic cancer. Although he obviously doesn't
exhibit the power heard on his earlier recordings, like Charlie Rouse and Stan Getz
before him (fellow cancer victims who recorded not long prior to their
deaths), Newman more than holds his own throughout the date, joined by
vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist David Leonhart, guitarist Peter Bernstein, bassist John Menegon, and drummer Yoron Israel. In the opener, Milt Jackson's
tasty blues "SKJ," Newman takes a soft-spoken approach that follows the
old adage that less is often more. His lush take of "As Time Goes By"
features Nelson first, then his heartfelt vibrato at the end of each line adds a sentimental air. The fresh, exotic approach to Charlie Chaplin's
tearjerker ballad "Smile" has the flavor of a tropical island paradise.
"Chelsea Bridge" seems all but owned by the late tenor giant Ben Webster,
so Newman simultaneously salutes his predecessor while putting a bit of
his own touch to it. The final track, "The Blessing," an original by
the leader, is a funky feature for his flute, with just a touch of
gospel. Newman benefited from frequent recording opportunities with
HighNote during his last years, and he went on top with this fine
effort. |
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