David Liebman

by Scott Yanow
Dave Liebman has developed through time to become one of the top soprano saxophonists in jazz. A highly individual and explorative (yet versatile) improviser who can stretch from bop to free, Liebman studied early on with Lennie Tristano and Charles Lloyd. He gained important experience playing with Ten Wheel Drive (1970), Elvin Jones (1971-1973), and Miles Davis fusion group (1973-1974). Liebman formed Lookout Farm in 1974, the first of several groups (including Quest in the 1980s) that teamed his reeds with pianist Richie Beirach. By the late 80s, he had largely dropped the tenor to concentrate on soprano and occasionally flute, although he made a rare recording on tenor for Double-Time in 1995. Dave Liebman, who is very active in jazz education and has written several books, has recorded for a countless number of labels through the years as a leader, including PM, ECM, Horizon, Timeless, Palo Alto, Impulse, Soul Note, Heads Up, Storyville, Owl, CMP, Red, and Candid.