Joe Newman was an outstanding, dynamic trumpeter. His style echoed that of Harry Edison, Dizzy Giillespie, Thad Jones and Thad Jones but with his own flair. He was part of a select group who enjoyed the game and communicated joy in each solo. He was a high-note and upper register performer, but preferred soft melodies or participating in lightly combative jam sessions. He was also an accomplished musician in the New Orleans tradition. Newman started his professional career in 1942 and 1943 with Lionel Hampton. He joined him after touring with Alabama State Teachers College’s band. Newman was a member the Count Basie Orchestra from 1943 to 1947. He was a co-leader of groups with Illinois Jacquet, and J.C. Heard before returning to Basie for a remarkable run from 1952 to 1961. There were also occasional outside recordings sessions during that period. In the ’50s Newman recorded sessions for Savoy and Vanguard and RCA. These were small-combo, tasteful and enjoyable outings. Salute To Satch, the 1956 album, was recorded with a large band. A sextet date was The Happy Cats. A quintet session was held with Zoot Sims to play Roulette. Another Roulette recording was made with an eleven-piece band. In 1954, Newman toured Europe in the Basie band. He continued to record and tour with Basie in the early 1960s and also made other sides. Prestige sessions included Tommy Flanagan’s session and Stash’s quartet. Benny Goodman accompanied Newman on a 1962 Russian tour. Newman was a member of Jazz Interaction, an organization that promoted awareness and jazz education in early 1960s. He quickly became a tireless advocate. In 1967, he assumed the presidency of the organization. Newman also composed music for the organization. Newman began his playing career with the New York Repertory Orchestra back in 1974. He toured Europe and Russia with them in 1975. Newman was a multi-tasker in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He recorded, taught, and occasionally reunited with the Basie Orchestra. In the ’70s, he had nice sessions with Ruby Braff (and Jimmy Rowles) and Joe Wilder (and Hank Jones) in the ’80s. Allmusic
