“Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most,” as Scott notes, beautifully rendered by Ella Fitzgerald, was also a favorite of instrumentalists. Check out the version by former Ray Charles sax man David Newman on “Under a Woodstock Moon.” The 1996 album includes a rendition of Freddy Hubbard’s “Up Jumped Spring” along with “Nature Boy,” by Eden Ahbez, and the classic “Skylark” by Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. As always, Newman shines on tenor, alto and flute.
Of all his own albums, according to his widow, Karen, “Under a Woodstock Moon” was David’s favorite. One of my favorites is “Return to the Wide Open Spaces,” a live performance with Ellis Marsalis on piano and Cornell Dupree on guitar. Newman plays alto, leaving the tenor work to James Clay, and Leroy Cooper stretches out on baritone. My favorite solo by David Newman came on “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on Ray Charles’ “The Genius After Hours” album from 1961. I requested that tune when I saw David perform live in 1988. He played it in fine, soulful style.
A music teacher reportedly dubbed David “Fathead” for misreading a chart. Ray Charles called him “Brains” and on “Fathead: Ray Charles Presents David Newman,” he plays his own composition “Hard Times.” Check out this cover by David Sanborn, who in 1988 brought Newman on his “Night Music” show. There Newman busted up “Makin’ Whoopee,” a Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn tune from 1928.
Of the new crop of saxophonists, according to Karen, David’s favorite was Eric Alexander. If you think jazz doesn’t rock, check out Eric on “A Few Miles From Memphis.”
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