David "Fathead" Newman - Hartford International Jazz Festival

[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.