Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
May 14, 2024 3:13 PM
David Sanborn, the star alto saxophonist who masterfully straddled the realms of straightahead jazz, R&B, rock and…
Apr 9, 2024 11:30 AM
Big Ears, the annual four-day music celebration that first took place in 2009 in Knoxville, Tennessee, could well be…
Mar 26, 2024 12:45 PM
At the risk of oversimplifying and romanticizing the story, Ambrose Akinmusire came bursting on the jazz scene at the…