At least one thing went terribly wrong on Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Inauguration Day: David “Fathead” Newman died of pancreatic cancer. He was 75.
Like fellow Dallas/Fort Worth Lone Star jazz immortals Ornette Coleman and Dewey Redman (1931-2006), the Coriscana-born saxophonist sharpened his musical chops in the gritty R&B circuit of Cow Town. Ray Charles knew soul when he heard it and employed Newman for a decade beginning in the mid-1950s, sponsoring his sax star’s solo debut on home label Atlantic, 1959’s Fathead/Ray Charles Presents David Newman. Pianoman smashes “I’ve Got a Woman,” “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” and “What’d I Say” – to name but three – all feature Newman on either alto or tenor sax.
Church remained home for the horn blower – at least in Austin. November 16 fell on the Sabbath last year; eight years earlier – to the day – I first saw a visiting Newman during another Jazz at St. James weekend program, which featured a Friday night concert, Saturday workshop, and Sunday service. In 2000, I sat amongst St. James’ pews and let Newman’s buttery tone loose my imagination as to what it might have been like witnessing Ray Charles’ band with this brass man at the head. Two months ago, Newman and trombonist Curtis Fuller punctuated the Word with the Music, leading local pianist James Polk and a rhythm section through airborne servitude as golden as the fall sun light through the Episcopal house of worship’s new windows. When it was done, I got in line with all the others to shake Newman’s hand and tell him thank you.
Thanks Fathead. Hallelujah, I loved it so.
This article appears in January 16 • 2009.
