David "Fathead" Newman Was Born On February 24, 1933

In honor of the late David "Fathead" Newman, his sensuous version of Duke Pearson's "Cristo Redentor" from his 2002 'Davey Blue' CD. Recorded in New York City May 31, 2001. Newman (alto saxophone), Bryan Carrott (vibraphone), Cedar Walton (piano), David Williams (bass), Kenny Washington (drums).

David "Fathead" Newman:

David "Fathead" Newman (February 24, 1933 – January 20, 2009) was an American jazz and rhythm-and-blues saxophonist who made numerous recordings as a session musician and leader, but is best known for his work as a sideman on seminal 1950s and early 1960s recordings by singer-pianist Ray Charles.

The All Music Guide to Jazz wrote that “there have not been many saxophonists and flutists more naturally soulful than David “Fathead” Newman,” and that “one of jazz’s and popular music’s great pleasures is to hear, during a vocalist’s break, the gorgeous, huge Newman tones filling the space . . . ." Newman is sometimes cited as a leading exponent of the so-called “Texas Tenor” saxophone style, which refers to the many big-toned, bluesy jazz tenor players from that state.