Blessing, The

Newman, David "Fathead"
Highnote
Jazz | Jun 2009

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2009-07-19
DAVID “FATHEAD” NEWMAN: The Blessing
HighNote, 2009

STRAIGHTAHEAD JAZZ – Newman’s final recording, made just weeks before he died of pancreatic cancer at age 75. He sticks mainly to ballads, where he always excelled in later years, and whatever is missing in terms of sax vigor is more than made up in Newman’s pure, flawless and deeply personal expression. It’s a fine farewell.

* * * | Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

1. 6:21 – easygoing blues, taken a bit slow with understated solos
2. 5:44 – so soft and sweet: slow, achingly tender and romantic
3. 4:52 – warm & romantic, glides along lightly, sticks close to melody
4. 5:24 – bossa nova classic, steps lightly at a steady tempo
5. 6:30 – slow but warm & upbeat, like a musical hug
6. 7:28 – bluesy midtempo creep: nice round of relaxed solos
7. 5:57 – tender sax moan, delicate vibraphone
8. 5:21 – subdued, introspective, and calmly optimistic
9. 7:07 – Newman on flute, sweet soulful march, taking the road home

[ Fo ] 07/19/09

Recent airplay

The Blessing
lunch specialAug 02, 2010
S.K.J.
Romantic Night
Transmission OverloadSep 20, 2009
S.K.J.
No Cover, No MinimumSep 11, 2009
S.K.J.
Whispers Of Contentment
Transmission OverloadSep 06, 2009

Charting

2009-07-26 — 2009-09-27 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Sep 27 1
Sep 13 3
Sep 6 1
Aug 30 2
Aug 23 2
Aug 16 2
Aug 9 2
Aug 2 1

Track listing

1. S.K.J.
2. Someone To Watch Over Me
3. As Time Goes By
4. Manha De Carnival
5. Smile
6. Romantic Night
7. Chelsea Bridge
8. Whispers Of Contentment
9. The Blessing