Jeff Newman (1942-2004) was one of Nashville's preeminent dobro and pedal steel players, known both for his copious session work and for founding the Jeffran College Of Pedal Steel Guitar, a musical academy which trained countless pickers in the arcane art of one of country music's most distinctive instruments. Originally from around Galveston, Texas, Newman worked in Nashville and North Carolina; in 1969 he and his wife Fran Newman founded their music school in a town near Nashville. Though he also recorded several "straight" musical albums, most of Newman's solo recored were instructional albums issued by his school, often with accompanying booklets, or tied to specific educational programs. Newman was also known for developing a system of tablature for the elusive, slippery glissandos of the pedal steel. A licensed pilot, Newman died in a 2004 airplane accident, while trying to land his plane. Here's a quick look at his work, mainly Newman's solo work, as well as some of his collaborative albums and select other records... (Though by no means a complete overview of his session work!)
Jeff Newman "Steel Tracks 1: Practice Rhythm Tracks" (Jeffran College, 19--?) (LP)
Jeff Newman "Music To Steel By" (Jeffran Music Company, 1969) (LP)
Jeff Newman "Music To Get C6th By" (Jeffran Music Company, 1969) (LP)
Jeff Newman "Music To Back-Up By" (Jeffran Music Company, 1972) (LP)
Jeff Newman & Shot Jackson "Mother's Favorite Tunes" (Harvester Records, 197-?) (LP)
Jeff Newman "Steelin' Feelin' " (Jeffran Music Company, 1974) (LP)
Jeff Newman "The Gospel Steel Guitar Course" (Jeffran Music Company, 1975) (LP)
Jeff Newman "...And A Few Good Friends" (Jeffran Records, 1976) (LP)
Jeff Newman "Wanted: For Steeling" (Jeffran Music Company, 197-?) (LP)
Jeff Newman & Mike Auldridge "Slidin' Smoke" (Flying Fish Records, 1978) (LP)
(Produced by Mike Auldridge, Jeff Newman, Kevin McManus & Billy Linneman)
Jeff Newman "The New Dirty Dozen" (Jeffran College, 197-?) (LP)
Jeff Newman "That Dobro Feeling" (Hilltop Records, 197-?) (LP)
The First Nashville Jesus Band "Welcome To Nashville" (Lamb & Lion Records, 1973) (LP)
(Produced by Billy Linneman & Jack Linneman)
Man, what a great band name! This group, which may have had a shifting lineup, was formed primarily to back singer Pat Boone on some of his more country-flavored gospel outings, though they also backed Del Wood, and released some stuff "solo" under the band's name. Among the session players on this album are guitarist Jimmy Capps, Johnny Gimble, and steel player Jeff Newman. Although I think the sessions were cut in Nashville, Boone's Lamb & Lion label was headquartered in LA, and was associated with the budget-line Hilltop Records. A couple of the tunes were of newer origin, like their covers of "Daddy Sang Bass" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," as well as an original, "Why," which was composed by the group's pianist, David Reese.
The First Nashville Jesus Band "Peace In The Valley" (Lamb & Lion Records, 1974) (LP)
(Produced by Billy Linneman & Jack Linneman)
Another album of gospel standards, recorded in Nashville with a top-flight studio crew including Jimmy Capps, Paul Charron (drums), fiddler Johnny Gimble, bassist Billy Linneman (who also played in Marty Robbins' band), Jeff Newman (dobro and pedal steel) and pianists David Reese and Jerry Whitehurst -- basically the same lineup as the previous album.
