| The Blessing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 5, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | December 12, 2008 | |||
| Studio | Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 55:06 | |||
| Label | HighNote HCD 7195 | |||
| Producer | David "Fathead" Newman, Houston Person | |||
| David "Fathead" Newman chronology | ||||
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The Blessing is the final studio album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, recorded in the year 2008 and released under HighNote label the following year (2009). [1] [2] [3] [4]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [5] |
In his review on Allmusic, Ken Dryden states: "David "Fathead" Newman's last recording session took place just a few weeks before his death from pancreatic cancer. Although he obviously doesn't exhibit the power heard on his earlier recordings, like Charlie Rouse and Stan Getz before him (fellow cancer victims who recorded not long prior to their deaths), Newman more than holds his own throughout the date... Newman benefited from frequent recording opportunities with HighNote during his last years, and he went on top with this fine effort.". [5] On All About Jazz, Andrew Velez observed: "What an apt name The Blessing is for David Newman's final recording before his death ended a long career last January (2009). He played for more than a decade with Ray Charles and alongside Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin and Roy Ayers, among many others. For this last studio session he was in fine form". [6]
David "Fathead" Newman was an American jazz and rhythm-and-blues saxophonist, who made numerous recordings as a session musician and leader, but is best known for his work as a sideman on seminal 1950s and early 1960s recordings by Ray Charles.
Feel the Wind is an album by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and drummer Art Blakey recorded in November 1988 and released on the Timeless label. It features performances by Hubbard, Blakey, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller, Leon Lee Dorsey, Lonnie Plaxico and Javon Jackson. The album was also released in Japan as 70 Years Anniversary: Special Edition Vol. 1.
The Sound of the Wide Open Spaces!!!! is the debut album by American saxophonist/flautist James Clay and the second album by David "Fathead" Newman featuring performances recorded in 1960 and originally released on the Riverside label.
Straight Ahead is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman featuring performances recorded in 1960 for the Atlantic label.
Confirmation is a live album by pianists Kenny Barron and Barry Harris recorded as part of the 7th Annual Riverside Park Arts Festival in 1991 and released on the Candid label.
Diamondhead is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 2007 and released on the HighNote label early the following year.
Cityscape is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 2005 and released on the HighNote label early the following year.
Song for the New Man is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 2003 and released on the HighNote label early the following year.
Davey Blue is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 2001 and released on the HighNote label early the following year.
Chillin' is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 1998 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
Keep the Spirits Singing is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman recorded in 2000 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
The Gift is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 2002 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
I Remember Brother Ray is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, paying tribute to his bandleader and mentor Ray Charles, which was recorded in 2004 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
Life is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, dedicated to pianist John Hicks, which was recorded in 2004 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
Under a Woodstock Moon is an album by American saxophonist David Newman recorded in 1996 and released on Herbie Mann's Kokopelli label.
Mr. Gentle Mr. Cool, subtitled A Tribute to Duke Ellington, is an album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman recorded in 1994 and released on Herbie Mann's Kokopelli label.
Blue Head is a live album by American saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman's Quartet plus Clifford Jordan recorded at the 5th Annual Riverside Park Arts Festival in 1989 and released on the Candid label.
Fire! Live at the Village Vanguard is a live album by American saxophonist David Newman's Quintet, with guest appearances by Stanley Turrentine and Hank Crawford, recorded at the Village Vanguard in 1988 and released on the Atlantic label.
Still Hard Times is an album by American jazz saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman recorded in 1982 and released on the Muse label.
Exploring the Future is an album led by American jazz bassist Curtis Counce recorded in 1958 and released on the Dooto label.