| Jazz |
Although I have been programming jazz on the radio for years and years, I have always been fascinated by the composer and saxophonist Dave Liebman, who is also a friend of a friend, pianist Andy Emler. It is impossible to pinpoint Dave Liebman’s planet, which is equivalent to his culture as vast as an ocean. This live album is a perfect illustration, so let’s delve into a part of his biography to understand the sources of inspiration for this exceptional artist:
David Liebman’s career, named NEA Jazz Master in 2011, spans nearly five decades, starting in the early 1970s as a saxophonist/flutist in the groups of Elvin Jones and Miles Davis, and continuing as a bandleader since. He has played on over five hundred recordings, nearly two hundred as a leader or co-leader. In the field of music education, he is a renowned lecturer and the author of several important books such as “Self Portrait Of A Jazz Artist,” “A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody,” and “Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound” (translated into several languages). He has also created educational DVDs, contributed to periodicals as a journalist, and published chamber music works.
After that, one dares not say anything, one contemplates. This is indeed what Dave Liebman’s music produces on every listener: thoughtful, deep, sculpted, rooted in various cultures, disrupting codes, redrawing history, opening the way to his inner universes. It’s an elitist music in its form, accessible through its foundations, disturbing, undoubtedly reflecting our contemporary personalities made of contradictions.
It is likely that upon the first listens, you will be charmed by this album. The musicians present on this live recording are also jazz greats. The group is composed of Dave Liebman – saxophones, Peter Evans – trumpet, Leo Genovese – piano, John Herbert – bass, Tyshawn Sorey – drums. They all bring their expertise, like watchmakers. This vibrant music breathes before our eyes at a time when not much makes sense. Listening to Dave Liebman is salutary; one comes out of it enriched. All compositions are by Dave Liebman, and it’s difficult to determine the extent of improvisation in this recording. Undoubtedly, on such compositions, it is quite tempting for these musicians to make proposals that enrich the structure.
Everything about Dave Liebman is fascinating, even his way of attacking the notes with his saxophones, making them actors, engaging in dialogues, a story to be experienced on stage. But that’s also the magic of this artist, knowing how to create an album that does not betray the live experience, as few live albums succeed in translating so many emotions.
Obligatory in our essentials and will quickly be listened to on Bayou Blue Radio.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 10th 2024
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Dave Liebman:
– HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR JAZZ- SIBELIUS ACADEMY, HELSINKI, FINLAND (’97)
– ORDER OF ARTS AND LETTERS – PARIS, FRANCE (’09)
– NATIONAL ENDOWMENT OF THE ARTS (NEA) JAZZ MASTER-HIGHEST HONOR IN JAZZ FROM U.S. GOVERNMENT (’11)
All tracks composed by Dave Liebman
Executive Producer: Spike Wilner & Cory Weeds
Produced by Spike Wilner
Recorded at Smalls Jazz Club on January 15th, 2021
Recorded with GB’s Mobile Unit by Glen Forrest & Colin Mohnacs
Mixed by Colin Mohnacs at GB’s Juke Joint
Mastered by Hector Castillo at Blues Shack Mastering
Photography by William Brown
Design and layout John Sellards