David “Fathead” Newman – The Blessing – HighNote HCD7195, 55:10 ****1/2:
(David “Fathead” Newman, tenor sax and flute; Steve Nelson, vibes; David Leonhardt, piano; Peter Bernstein, guitar; John Menegon, bass; Yoron Israel, drums)
January, 2009 was a brutal month for fans of the Ray Charles Band. In a period of just two weeks, the heart and soul of the fabled reed section of Brother Ray’s band was taken to join Ray in that great bandstand in the sky. First on Jan. 15th, Leroy “Hog” Cooper, the great and unsung baritonist, passed away. Just five days later, David “Fathead” Newman joined Cooper. Nine days later it was the brilliant altoist and section leader, Hank Crawford, who left us. For fans of soulful jazz, it was a monstrous loss. We’re not used to losing our jazz legends all within two weeks. Jazz websites – and even the mainstream press – mentioned the loss of the great players in the Charles band when their passing came so close together.
We’re fortunate that David “Fathead” Newman was so prolific up to the end of his life. He released several High Note label CDs in the last few years. His final recording session took place just one month before his passing from pancreatic cancer. Newman also toured extensively till the cancer became too aggressive. He was always available when elder statesmen needed a flute player or his rock solid tenor.
The title of his final CD is perfect as Newman’s presence, either as a leader or most able sideman was a blessing to a recording session. David’s last session was blessed also with High Note’s ace engineer Rudy Van Gelder, who also mixed and mastered Fathead’s final session. Comprised of classic staples such as Someone to Watch Over Me, As Time Goes By, Smile, and Chelsea Bridge; all those present knew that these “appropriate” classics needed one more treatment by David. It is not hard to imagine that there were not some misty eyes when a master track was laid down.
Milt Jackson’s SKJ benefits from Menegon’s bass lines and Steve Nelson’s vibes before Fathead’s tenor kicks in. His tenor tone is a bit weaker than expected, but to still be playing so close to his death, all is understood. Bernstein steps in for one of his always tasty solos. Someone to Watch over Me, is taken at a loping pace and Newman wrings out the emotion-it’s hard not to choke up listening to him play here. As Time Goes By highlights Nelson again, and Rudy places his vibes perfect in the mix. Manha de Carnival, the bossa nova, lightens the mood, and Leonhardt is featured right behind Newman before Nelson again shines.
Smile, from the pen of Charlie Chaplin, is also done in a tropical vein, with the piano and vibes keeping the mood lilting before Bernstein’s sparkling guitar solo. Leonhardt contributes two tracks – Romantic Night and Whispers of Contentment. Each fit in well with the mood of the session, providing Fathead a chance to blow in a less than taxing manner.
Our last time spent with David Newman is the title cut and we get the privilege to hear David play his flute on a self-composed gospel-tinged farewell. We were blessed to have David “Fathead” Newman on this Earth spreading his joy and soul both in rhythm and blues and funky jazz idioms. The Blessing is a well recorded exit and a must buy for the many fans of “Fathead.” Man, I will miss him…
TrackList: SKJ, Someone to Watch Over Me, As Time Goes By, Manha de Carnival, Smile, Romantic Night, Chelsea Bridge, Whispers of Contentment, The Blessing
– Jeff Krow
