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The Blessing is the final studio album by American saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman, recorded in the year 2008 and released under HighNote label the following year (2009).

In his review on Allmusic, Ken Dryden states: “David “Fathead” Newman’s last recording session took place just a few weeks before his death from pancreatic cancer. Although he obviously doesn’t exhibit the power heard on his earlier recordings, like Charlie Rouse and Stan Getz before him (fellow cancer victims who recorded not long prior to their deaths), Newman more than holds his own throughout the date… Newman benefited from frequent recording opportunities with HighNote during his last years, and he went on top with this fine effort.”

Track listing:
“SKJ” (Milt Jackson) – 6:23
“Someone to Watch Over Me” (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 5:47
“As Time Goes By” (Herman Hupfeld) – 4:55
“Manhã de Carnaval” (Luiz Bonfá, Antônio Maria) – 5:27
“Smile” (Charlie Chaplin) – 6:33
“Romantic Night” (David Leonhardt) – 7:31
“Chelsea Bridge” (Billy Strayhorn) – 5:59
“Whispers of Contentment” (Leonhardt) – 5:24
“The Blessing” (David “Fathead” Newman) – 7:07

Personnel:
David “Fathead” Newman – tenor saxophone, flute
Steve Nelson – vibraphone
David Leonhardt – piano
Peter Bernstein – guitar
John Menegon – bass
Yoron Israel – drums

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Released: May 5, 2009
Recorded: December 12, 2008
Studio: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Length: 55:06
Label: HighNote
HCD 7195
Producer: David “Fathead” Newman, Houston Person