David "Fathead" Newman

[relyles]

Sunday night I had the pleasure of hearing David “Fathead” Newman live at the Hartford International Jazz Festival. In Mr. Newman’s group were vibraphonist Monte Croft, pianist Laszlo Gardony, bassist John Menegon and drummer Yoron Israel. Unlike most of the music I have heard recently, this show was in a small venue. I was seated no more than 15 feet from the musicians and the intimacy of the venue no doubt enhanced my appreciation of the performance. Nothing revolutionary about the music, just strong straight ahead playing. Over two sets, in addition to a few Newman originals, the group played familiar tunes such as “A Night In Tunisia”, “Hard Times”, Killer Joe”, “Bag’s Groove”, “Christo Redentor”, and “This I Dig of You”. Newman was in good form on tenor, alto and flute and Croft was particularly impressive. I enjoyed myself enough that I actually paid the $20 price to purchase one of Newman’s CDs so that I could have it autographed.

Glad I made it out to this one.

Edited October 12, 2004 by relyles

[relyles]

Last night I had another opportunity to hear Newman live at the Monday Night Concert Series at Bushnell Park in Hartford. I had a special guest with me in my six year old daughter, Sierra, who really was the person that insisted we go when my enthusiasm for sitting in the park in the heat was low. Although she fell asleep some time during the second part of the performance, I am happy Sierra insisted. Newman's group included Curtis Fuller, the always entertaining Winard Harper and organist Radam Schwartz. They played a straight ahead set of mostly tunes from the jazz reportire. It wound up being a very pleasant night of music (once the sun went down it was not too hot) and even Sierra (who has a fascination with drums) enjoyed herself and thought Harper was great.

[Joe G]

Saw Newman in Syracuse recently and thought pretty much the same as you: good straightahead music. Yuron Israel was the drummer, along with Marcus Belgrave and Howard Johnson. Probably the same organist you saw as well. Harper was here in Lansing with his sextet last week, but unfortunately organissimo was up north doing a short tour, so I missed it. Also missed Harry Manx at the same venue earlier in the week. Drat! Oh well, at least I had a good excuse.