Through the Eyes of Dave Liebman
This week’s podcast is a very special event here at Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever. as we interview saxophone giant David Liebman.
Here's a new alternative to the uninspiring tunes often found in the average beginning sax book. This collection of 25 tunes, each with backing and demonstration tracks plus a video tutorial, is the product one of my most significant discoveries in over two decades of working with beginning saxophonists. That is, beginners learn fundamentals much faster by playing the kind of music that attracted them to the horn in the first place.
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🎷 Sax Fundamentals Faster
A Brief History
Having been featured on nearly three hundred and fifty recordings as both a leader and a sideman, living saxophone legend David Liebman is one of the most influential voices on his instrument.
As a youngster, he was inspired by seeing John Coltrane perform live in some of the most illustrious jazz clubs throughout New York City. A leader in the 1970’s “loft” jazz scene in New York, Mr. Liebman’s career began with game-changing stints in the groups of legendary artists such as Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea.
As a leader or co-leader of his own groups including Lookout Farm, Quest, and several groups under his own name, he has pursued an eclectic direction spanning virtually every style of music under the sun.
Some of the other luminaries that Mr. Liebman has performed with as both a leader and a sideman include Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Richie Beirach, John Scofield, Al Foster, Billy Hart, Dave Holland, and Jack DeJohnette, as well as big band and radio orchestra performances throughout Europe.
Placing among the top three finalists of the Downbeat Critics Poll year after year, in 2011 he placed first in the Jazz Times Critic’s Poll.
As an educator, Mr. Liebman has visited universities and held clinics worldwide, and his published materials are considered classics in the field.
2011 saw him receiving the National Endowment for the Arts 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award—the nation’s highest honor in jazz music.
Listen right here:
Download the Podcast MP3
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Learn more about Dave at www.DaveLiebman.com
Dave doing his thing:
photo by Pin Lim
March 23, 2011 @ 7:32 am
Another great job! Great idea to ask Liebman to do this. He can cover so many things — his history, Miles, the loft scene, Joe Allard, transcribing, etc.
Very interesting discussion.
Thanks again!
Scooby
March 23, 2011 @ 8:21 am
Thanks Scooby, glad you dug it! It helps that Dave has so much energy and enthusiasm ON TOP OF having such amazing and insightful things to say.
September 19, 2011 @ 5:22 pm
Great interview, really enjoyed it, so many good stories and advice. I like how Leibman can articulate how to be an artist concretely. He’s a real resource of jazz.
September 19, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
Yep, Leibman is indeed a massive figure in jazz music and an incredibly nice guy to boot.
So glad you liked it Joe!
March 10, 2017 @ 11:58 am
If i am blessed, going to see and meet Dave and Richie Beirach in London Oct’17…..speaking with both, incredible human beings who live like i do to hear Jazz.
February 12, 2020 @ 2:54 pm
I have been playing saxophone since high school where I played alto and baritone sax. I also played clarinet for one of the four years. Now I play a Martin tenor and Cannonball Vintage Reborn Soprano at my church. I have been playing for several years. I recently changed from a classic mouth piece to a metal for my Soprano and I am experiencing a crackling sound and it turns out because of the hot air that I am pushing through the horn, condensation is causing my issue. What I am having to do is back away a little from the microphone so that cracking sound is not so prevalent. Any suggestions ?