The great tenor player David “Fathead” Newman released “Diamondhead” in January of 2008, almost exactly one year prior to his passing at the hands of pancreatic cancer. Joined by a couple of other legendary players, Cedar Walton & Curtis Fuller, Newman put together a great set of music mixing a few prime originals with some standards and a couple of unexpected numbers (a surprisingly soulful take on Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind being one example). The music on “Diamondhead” (and “The Blessing” – recorded just a few weeks before his death) leave a lasting reminder that Newman was still playing with the fire that always made him a force to be reckoned with over his long and distinguished musical career.
Released 2008 : HighNote Records : Catalog # 757179
Players:
David “Fathead” Newman – Tenor Sax, Flute
Curtis Fuller – Trombone
Cedar Walton – Piano
Peter Washington – Bass
Yoron Israel – Drums