Brandon Allen Presents Some Kinda Mean [jazz]

A journey into the musical life of David ‘Fathead’ Newman. The 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 by Ray Charles. The All Music Guide to Jazz wrote that “there have not been many saxophonists and flautists 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. Newman also did session work with a variety of artists including BB King, Aretha Franklin, Dr John, Lou Rawls and Joe Cocker.

Brandon Allen was born in Perth, Australia and relocated to London in 2000. Since that time he has performed with a variety of artists including Eric Clapton, Omar, Paloma Faith, Kyle Eastwood, Robin McKelle, Camille Bertault, Ibrahim Maalouf, Stefano Di Battista the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. He continues to tour extensively with bassist Kyle Eastwood, recently performing at The Detroit and Monterey Jazz Festivals in the USA.

Nick Costley-White is one of the most in demand jazz guitarists in the UK, renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, alongside a virtuosic technique and progressive approach to improvising. He has performed with Stan Sulzmann, Gareth Lockrane, Jason Rebello, Ivo Neame, Kit Downes Alex Garnett, Mark Taylor, Steve Fishwick and Jeff Williams and holds the guitar chair with the London Jazz Orchestra.

Hamish Balfour has performed with numerous artists in London, the UK and abroad. His versatility as a musician has led to work with Incognito, Grace Jones, Odyssey, Faze Action and the live electronic project. He is busy working on his own music, ranging from Jazz to Electronic, which has taken him on various tours around the UK and Europe. Currently, he is busy writing an album of original jazz songs as well as recording and writing for various producers, including the ISM label and more recently has signed to WagonWheel Records.

Mirko Scarcia is a double bassist/bass guitarist with over two decades of performance experience. He has worked with high profile musicians and producers in a variety of genres including jazz, pop, rock, and classical music, with the primary focus on jazz/improvised music. He has performed with Ronnie Cuber, Steve Grossman, Gregory Hutchinson, Jerry Bergonzi, Paolo Fresu, Fabrizio Bosso, FlavioBoltro, Jimmy Villotti, Federico Poggipollini, Vince Pastano, BeppeD’Onghia and Mauro Malavasi. He also works as an orchestrator, arranger, and assistant conductor for symphony orchestras.

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Line up
Brandon Allen – saxes/flute
Nick Costley White – guitar
Hamish Balfour – keys
Mirko Scarcia – bass
Chris Higginbottom – drums