Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Trumpeter, Educator Jim Rotondi Dies at 61
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
David “Fathead” Newman, who invented the image of a rough, bluesy Texas tenor player in jazz, died Jan. 20 near his home in Upstate New York following a long battle with cancer. He was 75.
Newman was born in Dallas on Feb. 24, 1933. In his teens he backed saxophonist Red Connors alongside Ornette Coleman. Shortly afterwards he worked in Lowell Fulson and T-Bone Walker’s barnstorming r&b bands. When Walker’s pianist, Ray Charles, left the group, he hired Newman on baritone in 1954. Newman returned to tenor and backed Brother Ray for the next 10 years—creading driving solos on the band’s classic Atlantic recordings. Other r&b stars in the Atlantic roster (notably Aretha Franklin and Dr. John) also relied on Newman’s hearty tone. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, Newman also worked with King Curtis, Herbie Mann and Blue Mitchell. His own Atlantic albums at this time were often comprised of straightforward versions of pop hits. Throughout the years, Newman also played in crowd-pleasing duos with Hank Crawford and Stanley Turrentine. One of Newman’s best traditional jazz performances was his understated role on Junior Mance’s Truckin’ And Trackin’ session in 1983 (Bee Hive). Other dimensions to his work include his sensitive interpretations of Ellington on Mr. Gentle Mr. Cool (Kokopelli).
Recommended recordings: House Of David (Rhino); Still Hard Times (Muse). —Aaron Cohen
Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.
Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
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