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