Biography
Gerry Niewood gained his primary recognition through longstanding ties to Chuck Mangione. As a skilled multi-instrumentalist, he produced engaging tones and approaches across tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, and flute. After enrolling at the University of Buffalo, he first entered Mangione's ensemble during 1968 while persisting with his education, ultimately securing a diploma from the Eastman School of Music in 1970. His tenure alongside Mangione extended until 1976, during which he contributed to the majority of the trumpeter's notable releases and infused the performances with robust jazz elements. Nevertheless, Niewood's efforts as a solo artist failed to attain significant acclaim, evidenced by a pair of little-known recordings issued under his leadership on A&M in 1976 and 1978. Between 1976 and 1977, he formed a post-bop quartet alongside Dave Samuels, and in the early 1980s he directed the Sunday Morning Jazz Band before collaborating with Joe Beck shortly thereafter. Studio work and various low-key freelance engagements occupied most of his time until the mid-1990s, when he returned to Mangione's group as the flügelhornist launched his resurgence. Niewood's own 2004 release Facets nonetheless highlighted his capabilities leading sessions independently throughout the new millennium. He remained with Mangione until February 12, 2009, the date on which he and fellow musician Coleman Mellett perished in the Colgan Air Flight 3407 accident while traveling from Newark toward Buffalo for a planned performance the next night alongside Mangione and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Albums