I Remember Brother Ray (2005)

About this title: If ever a musician had a pedigree for simultaneously lamenting and celebrating the late Ray Charles, David "Fathead" Newman does. Newman met Charles in 1952 and was a working member of his band from 1954-1964. This program of tunes so closely associated with Charles features the tenor saxophonist in the company of vibist Steve Nelson, John Hicks in the piano chair, Winard Harper on drums, and bassist John Menegon. Newman's signature Southern soul tone, saturated in warmth and emotion, is by turns buttery, fat, and back-porch tender. From the opening chorus of "Hit the Road, Jack," one can ... read more

Tracks:

1. Hit the Road Jack [Mayfield]
2. Georgia On My Mind [Carmichael/Gorrell]
3. When Your Lover Has Gone [Swan]
4. Drown in My Tears [Glover]
5. Deed I Do [Hirsch/Rose]
6. It Had to Be You [Kahn/Jones]
7. Ruby [Parish/Roemheld]
8. Them That Got (I Ain't Got Nothing Yet) [Charles/Harper]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.