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David "Fathead" Newman performs

Nearly everyone has heard of the legendary Ray Charles, but you may not have heard of David Newman, the tenor saxophonist who sat in his band for nearly 12 years. Charles and Newman began their life-long friendship in the early 1950s, and a few years later Charles called on Newman to play baritone sax in his new band. Newman stayed with the Ray Charles Band until the mid-60s, when he left to pursue a solo career. He has played with such greats as Buster Smith, T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, to name a few. Today he is still playing the same hard-bop jazz that he was 50 years ago, and has released almost eight albums in the past decade, with his most recent, Life (Highnote) just out this year. He will perform two sets at The Lafayette Tap Room, “Buffalo’s Home if the Blues,” on Friday night at 9 and 11pm.

Friday, March 9 at 9pm & 11pm. Lafayette Tap Room, 391 Washington St (854-2446) www.lafayettetaproom.com