Diamondhead (HighNote)

David “Fathead” Newman

Released January 29, 2008

2008 Top 10 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kt51GUqWtSlCWY4nL4Qw1YWoyssMRZXCI

Spotify:

About:

After decades in the music business, it’s clear that David “Fathead” Newman has become one of the premier tenor players in a number of genres ranging from soul, funk, straight-ahead and post-bop jazz. His latest recording for HighNote displays his formidable triple-threat skills on tenor sax, alto sax and flute. Newman’s sultry tenor speaks volumes with his smooth and subtle phrasing, blowing masterfully with excellent accompaniment from keyboard great Cedar Walton and the legendary trombonist Curtis Fuller who gives the ensemble sound a pleasing new depth. Newman’s playing remains at once forceful and delicate, noon-day bright and crepuscular, straight-forward and recondite and shows the many facets of both the man and the musician.

Track Listing:

1. Diamondhead 07:40

2. Can’t We Be Friends? 05:24

3. New York State of Mind 04:27

4. Cedar’s Blues 05:35

5. My Full House 05:40

6. Skylark 07:27

7. Star Eyes 07:36

8. Mama-Lou 05:17

9. It’s You or No One 06:19

Personnel:

David “Fathead” Newman: tenor sax, alto sax, flute

Curtis Fuller: trombone (1, 4, 5, 9)

Cedar Walton: piano

Peter Washington: bass Yoron Israel: drums

Recorded October 23, 2007, at M&I Recording Studios, New York

Co-Produced by David Newman & Houston Person

Executive Producer: Joe Fields

Engineer: Mitch Yuspeh

Assistant Engineer: Ira Yuspeh

Photography by Roy Gumpel

Design by Keiji Obata, Littlefield & Company

Review:

Fathead had quite a year, celebrating his 75th birthday with a new recording and a national diamond-anniversary tour. It was his birthday, but we got the gift in the form of Diamondhead. Along with drummer Yoron Israel, bassist Peter Washington, trombone master Curtis Fuller and pianist Cedar Walton, the group polishes nine gems for everyone to enjoy. “Cedar’s Blues” demonstrates that even a rough year can sound good.

Gary Walker (npr)