After 75 years, could he still be underrated and to a lesser extent misunderstood? When Ray Charles called for tenor sax work, or sounds of a flute, he could rely on David "Fathead" Newman. From 1953, when Charles was steeped in rhythm and blues and was barely on the map as a crooner, to 1964, when he was known as "Brother Ray," he depended upon Newman for an instant infusion of soul. But Fathead was and is more than a blues belter.

The breadth of David Newman's musical background is extraordinary. He covered numerous styles with Charles, backed artists like Aretha Franklin, Little Jimmy Scott and Roberta Flack, has cut several outstanding jazz albums and performed with jazz players such as Stanley Turrentine and Cedar Walton (who also will perform as part of this festival). So it is fortunate that, for his 75th birthday bash out at Belleayre this Saturday, August 16, he will be supported and pushed by a dream band: pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Rufus Reid, drummer Jimmy Cobb and trombonist Curtis Fuller.

Talk about swinging! Each of these musicians belongs in his instrument's Hall of Fame. Add their collective appreciation and love of Fathead (who was given that name in high school by, of all people, a teacher), and the makings of a melodic affair are in place.

If you are also 75 and can prove it, admission is...wait for it...free! For tickets, call (800) 942-6904 or visit www.belleayremusic.org.

Mercy, mercy, mercy

Cannonball Legacy Band rolls out Adderley's classic tunes in Kerhonkson this Sunday

The drummer doesn't view his tenure with alto legend Cannonball Adderley's Quintet with anything that even remotely smacks of sentimentality. Surrounded by his young charges in the Cannonball Legacy Band, Louis Hayes is too busy swinging hot and cool to look idly back on a career highlight. Since getting together with reedman Vincent Herring almost 20 years ago, the esteemed drummer has led this energetic group dedicated to grooves with more than a few featuring the flatted third. The fiery trumpet of Jeremy Pelt is a perfect foil for the snaky lines of Herring.

Will they dig into "Dem Dirty Blues" or give us "Something Else?" The Cannonball Legacy Band headlines the Jazz in the Valley one-day festival at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson on August 17. The Cannonball group will be topping off a full day that will also present Marlena Shaw, the Maurice Brown Effect and Larry Harlow with the Latin Legends.

To order tix, please call (845) 384-6350. Day passes are $50 in advance, $55 at the door.

@ Bob Margolis