David “Fathead” Newman September 27, 2007

We Always Swing Jazz Series Presents: David “Fathead” Newman - Adults: $21, $26, $30/ Students: $16, $21
Doors open at 8:30pm

For more than 50 years saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman has been making great music. Initially, the Texas native first gained notoriety on the baritone when, in 1954, his friend Ray Charles asked him to join his then new band. Integral to the seminal "Charles sound" from that fertile period, Newman's release, Fathead: Ray Charles Presents "Fathead" (Atlantic), in 1959, represents the first of Newman's now 40 recordings as a leader. The significance of his association with Charles was again brought to light in the 2005 Academy Award winning film, Ray; not surprisingly his persona was highly visible throughout the film. For the past 35-plus year, Newman has been a mainstay of the New York jazz scene. An influential and versatile saxophonist and flutist, his work has heavily influenced the likes of David Sanborn. "Fathead's" playing not only incorporates straight-ahead jazz sessions, but also a great deal of varied studio work; further, his contribution to the ranks of R&B and blues artists cannot be overlooked. Newman's "sideman" credits include Aretha Franklin (Soul 69, [Atlantic], 1993), Natalie Cole (Unforgettable, [Elektra/WEA], 1991), T-Bone Walker (Rare Bone, [Offbeat], 1991) and B.B. King (There Must Be a Better World [MCA], 1981/1998; and The Music of Louis Jordan, [MCA, 1999). Newman's screen credits also include his role in the late director Robert Altman's musically dazzling film Kansas City. Making his second Columbia appearance – and first in 15 years! — Newman leads a quartet into The Blue Note for a post-Twilight Festival appearance in what promises to be a special evening indeed.

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