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MUSICIANS
DAVE LIEBMAN
Link to The Official David Liebman Homepage
Biography
David Liebman was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 4, 1946. He
began classical piano lessons at the age of nine and saxophone by twelve. His
interest in jazz was sparked by seeing John Coltrane perform live in New
York City clubs such as "Birdland", the "Village Vanguard", and the "Half Note".
Liebman pursued his jazz interest by studying with Lennie Tristano and
Charles Lloyd. Upon graduation from New York University, he began to
seriously devote himself to the full time pursuit of being a jazz artist.
After two years spent with Ten Wheel Drive, one of the most early jazz
fusion groups, Liebman secured the saxophone/flute position with the
group of legendary Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones. Within two years
Liebman reached the zenith of his apprenticeship period when Miles
Davis hired him. These years 1970-74, were filled with tours, recording
and the incredible experience gained by being on the bandstand with two
masters of jazz. At the same time, Liebman began exploring his own
music - first in the Open Sky Trio with Bob Moses and then with Richie
Beirach in Lockout Farm. This group recorded for the German based
ECM label as well as A&M/Horizon and toured India, Japan and Europe,
as well as the US. Lockout Farm was recognized as number one in the
category Group Deserving Wider Recognition in the 1976 Downbeat
International Critics’ Poll.
In 1977, Liebman did a world tour with Chick Corea and by 1978 formed
the David Liebman Quintet with John Scofield, Kenny Kirkland and
Teramusa Hino as featured sideman. After several world tours and recordings
by the quintet over three years he reunited with Richard Beirach. They began
performing and recording as a duo, as well as forming the group Quest, in
1981. Beginning with George Mraz and Al Foster, the group solidified when
Ron McChure on bass and Bill Hart on drums joined in 1984. Through
1991, Quest recorded seven CD’s, toured extensively and did many workshops
with students worldwide.
In the 1990’s The Liebman Group with Phil Markowitz on keyboards, Vic
Juris on guitar, Jamey Haddad on drums and Tony Marino on bass, recorded
several CD’s, toured Europe, Japan and Israel and pursued a very eclectic,
contemporary style. Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, Liebman has often been
featured with top European musicians such as Joachim Kuhn, Daniel Humair,
John Christensen and Bobo Stenson. His reputation in Europe has led to big
band and radio orchestra performances such as with the WDR in Köln playing
music especially written to feature Liebman’s soprano saxophone style. He
has consistently placed in the top five of the Downbeat Critic’s Poll, most
recently in the number two position.
Liebman has several books published on a variety of subjects, instructional
videos, published chamber music and has contributed regularly to various
periodicals such as the Saxophone Journal and the Jazz Educator’s Journal.
His teaching activities at universities and in clinic settings have taken him literally around the world, primarily because of his varied musical interests, expertise on several instruments and ability to articulate the intricacies of
the jazz language and technique. He regularly receives several grantees to
study with him funded by the National Endowment of the Arts (US) and the
Canadian Arts Council. Liebman himself has received two NEA grants for
composition (1980) and performance (1991). In 1989, he founded the
International Association of Schools of Jazz, an organization dedicated to
networking educators and students from international jazz schools through
periodic meetings, programs, and newsletters.
David Liebman has recorded nearly 75 CD’s and albums under his own
leadership as well as being a featured sideman on 100 more. Over 175
original compositions have been recorded as well. His artistic output has
ranged form straight ahead to chamber jazz; from fusion to avant garde.
This diversity has always been marked by its conviction, singular approach
and a sense of adventure so highly valued in Liebman’s aesthetic. Combined
with his written works and teaching activities, David Liebman defines the
jazz artist in our time.
Biography courtesy of Saudades Tourneen
Photo: Giorgio Biserni
Europe Jazz Network
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