Gerry Niewood, American saxophonist (b. 1943)

Gerry Niewood (April 6, 1943 – February 12, 2009), born Gerard Joseph Nevidosky, was an accomplished American jazz saxophonist and flautist whose versatile talents enriched countless recordings and live performances. Best known for his extensive and enduring collaboration with jazz flugelhornist and composer Chuck Mangione, Niewood left an indelible mark on contemporary jazz.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Born in Rochester, New York, Gerry Niewood shared a significant connection with his future bandleader, Chuck Mangione, as both were natives of this vibrant upstate New York city. His musical journey began early, leading him to the prestigious Eastman School of Music, a world-renowned conservatory celebrated for its comprehensive musical training and significant contributions to jazz education. Niewood honed his craft at Eastman, graduating with a profound understanding of music theory, composition, and instrumental performance, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career as a multi-instrumentalist. He was particularly adept on the alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones, in addition to his masterful flute playing, demonstrating a remarkable range across woodwind instruments.

The Enduring Partnership with Chuck Mangione

Gerry Niewood's professional relationship with Chuck Mangione was a defining aspect of his career, marked by creative synergy and popular success. From 1968 to 1976, Niewood was an integral member of Mangione's acclaimed band, contributing his distinctive saxophone and flute voicings to some of the era's most iconic jazz-pop recordings. During this period, their collaboration produced legendary albums such as "Feels So Good" (1977), which became a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling album and a quintessential piece of jazz-fusion history. His expressive solos and intricate ensemble work were crucial to Mangione's signature sound, blending melodic accessibility with sophisticated jazz improvisation. Niewood’s contributions helped shape the sound that brought jazz to a broader audience, demonstrating his ability to excel in both complex arrangements and commercially successful ventures.

A Versatile Sideman and Bandleader

Following his initial eight-year tenure with Chuck Mangione, Niewood ventured into independent projects, showcasing his leadership skills and diverse musical interests. Shortly after his departure from Mangione’s band, he co-led a notable group with the acclaimed vibraphonist and percussionist Dave Samuels. Their collaborations resulted in critically recognized albums like "Nevidosky" (1979) and "Niewood & Samuels" (1982), which explored different facets of contemporary jazz and fusion. These projects allowed Niewood to further develop his compositional voice and instrumental prowess outside of the Mangione framework. However, a significant portion of his illustrious career was spent as an in-demand session musician. In this role, Niewood lent his exceptional talent to an astonishing array of artists across various genres, quietly becoming a foundational presence on numerous recordings. Session musicians are valued for their versatility, sight-reading ability, and capacity to deliver precise, compelling performances on short notice. Niewood’s extensive discography as a sideman, often uncredited in liner notes, includes work with legendary figures such as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, and even the influential jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears. This extensive work underscored his reputation as a highly respected and adaptable professional in the recording industry.

Return to Mangione and Final Years

In the 1990s, Gerry Niewood reunited with Chuck Mangione, rekindling their musical partnership and delighting fans who cherished their collaborative history. This reunion underscored the deep mutual respect and artistic connection that defined their work together. Niewood continued to perform and record with Mangione, embarking on tours and contributing to new projects, further cementing his legacy as a vital component of Mangione's ensemble. Beyond his performance schedule, Niewood also shared his expertise as an educator, influencing the next generation of jazz musicians. He remained an active and respected figure in the jazz community until his untimely passing.

The Tragic End of a Remarkable Career

On February 12, 2009, the jazz world mourned a profound loss when Gerry Niewood, along with his fellow band member and guitarist Coleman Mellett, perished in the devastating crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. The flight, operated by Colgan Air for Continental Connection, was en route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Clarence Center, New York. Niewood and Mellett were traveling to Buffalo to perform with Chuck Mangione as part of a scheduled concert. This tragic accident, which claimed all 50 lives on board, including the crew and a non-revenue pilot, sent shockwaves through the music industry and aviation community. Niewood was 65 years old at the time of his death. His passing marked the end of a prolific career characterized by instrumental mastery, profound musical sensitivity, and a dedication to the art of jazz. His contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gerry Niewood

What instruments did Gerry Niewood play?

Gerry Niewood was primarily known as a jazz saxophonist, skillfully playing the alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones. He was also an accomplished flautist.

What was Gerry Niewood's connection to Chuck Mangione?

Gerry Niewood was a long-time and integral member of Chuck Mangione's band. Their collaboration spanned two significant periods: from 1968 to 1976 and then again from the 1990s until Niewood's passing in 2009. He contributed significantly to many of Mangione's most famous recordings, including "Feels So Good."

Where was Gerry Niewood born and educated?

Gerry Niewood was born in Rochester, New York, and was an alumnus of the highly regarded Eastman School of Music, also located in Rochester.

What other notable artists did Gerry Niewood work with as a session musician?

Beyond his work with Chuck Mangione and his own projects with Dave Samuels, Gerry Niewood had an extensive career as a session musician. He performed and recorded with a wide range of iconic artists, including Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, among others.

How did Gerry Niewood die?

Gerry Niewood tragically died on February 12, 2009, along with fellow band member Coleman Mellett, in the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. They were traveling to Buffalo, New York, for a scheduled performance with Chuck Mangione.