Listening Room – “Diamondhead”

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.

Diamondhead
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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

David “Fathead” Newman – Diamondhead from “Diamondhead”

David “Fathead” Newman – Mama Lou from “Diamondhead”

Listening Room – “Seasoned Wood”

Jazz legend Cedar Walton recorded “Seasoned Wood” in 2008 at the ripe young age of 74.  Of all the outstanding albums Walton has released as a leader, “Seasoned Wood” stands as one of his great achievements.  Joined by longtime bandmates Vincent Herring on saxophones and Al Foster on drums, Walton takes charge on a nice mix of originals and standards.  The two Walton originals Clockwise and John’s Blues are standouts from this great recording.

Seasoned Wood
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Released 2008  :  High Note Records  :  Catalog # CD 7185

Players:
Cedar Walton – Piano
Vincent Harrington – Saxophones
Jeremy Pelt – Trumpet
Peter Washington – Bass
Al Foster – Drums

Cedar Walton – Clockwise from “Seasoned Wood”

Cedar Walton – John’s Blues from “Seasoned Wood”