Brandon Allen Quintet

A journey into the musical life of saxophonist/flautist/composer David ‘Fathead’ Newman. This project will explore Newman’s work with Ray Charles, straight ahead albums with saxophonists Stanley Turrentine & James Clay, collaborations with Hammond organists Jimmy McGriff and Lonnie Smith and his soul jazz/funk releases on Atlantic and Prestige. David "Fathead" Newman (1933-2009) was an American jazz, blues and R&B saxophonist.  Although he made numerous recordings as a session musician and leader, he is perhaps best known as the saxophonist on the seminal 1950s and early 1960s recordings of Ray Charles. The All Music Guide to Jazz wrote that "there have not been many saxophonists and flutists more naturally soulful than David 'Fathead' Newman." After leaving Ray Charles’ band, Newman worked with Herbie Mann in 1970–71, and subsequently recorded albums for Atlantic, Warner Bros., Prestige and Muse.

Line Up: Brandon Allen – saxes, Nick Costley White – guitar, Hamish Balfour – keys, Mirko Scarcia – bass & Chris Higginbottam  drums