Soprano saxophonist, innovator and experimentalist Dave Liebman has released his newest big band offering entitled Live: As Always. Liebman is among saxophone royalty out of New York City and has been linked with some of the greatest names in jazz for decades. In more recent years his big band has become yet another extension of his voice on saxophone. Those listeners who appreciate Liebman’s dynamic approach, technical virtuosity and undying yearning for experimentation will want to check out Live: As Always by the Dave Liebman Big Band.
A Bright Place written by Andrew Rathburn quickly shows off how Dave Liebman is one of the premier jazz soprano saxophonists of our time. The writing is a perfect vehicle of Liebman’s soprano playing over the thick-textured ensemble, then breaking down to rhythm section and soprano. The ensemble writing featuring the low winds and particularly the bass clarinet compliments the rhythm section before Liebman comes back in. There are really two bands on this CD – the big band and the jazz quartet.
The title track As Always is a tender ballad, which erupts into Dave Liebman’s saxophone fury. Just as quickly as it explodes, it settles back into the original mood – that of a gentle ballad arranged by Pete McGuinness.
From the opening swell and shakuhachi flute, to Charles Pillow’s oboe solo on Anubis a decidedly Middle-Eastern flavor takes over the ensemble. Scott Reeves’ arrangement is eerie and inventive. Vic Juris and Jim Ridl solo on guitar and synthesizer respectively. This composition is one of the more experimental tracks perfect for the risk-takers to solo over. Following Ridl’s sythth solo and seemingly chaotic ensemble section, there is an abrupt caesura (railroad tracks) cued by drummer Marko Marcinko. A primal scream from Liebman opens up the tune for piano, bass, drums and soprano sax solo. Dave Liebman does what he does best. He blurs the line between traditional harmony and atonal improvisation and where the two meet. The alto flugelhorn of Scott Reeves follows Liebman’s soprano solo. One of my favorite moments comes about 13 minutes into the tune with Liebman’s cascading improvisation. The ensemble plows forward until the ultimate blasting horn – almost a distress signal for an imaginary ship out of port, lost at sea.
New Breed, beautifully arranged by Scott Reeves features a more traditional-sounding introduction. It then breaks down to Liebman’s soprano and Marcinko’s brushwork. This cut will please the more traditional jazz big band lovers. Soloist Jim Ridl on piano. As the horns rest their chops the rhythm section has the flexibility to do their thing. Although short-lived they demonstrate that they are the “ensemble within the ensemble” before the background horn figures come back in. Another favorite moment of this writer is how Liebman’s lines flow like water out of the tap. Later comes a wonderful saxophone soli over the drums.
Phillippe Under the Green Bridge is arranged by leader Gunnar Mossblad. Charles Pillow plays an impressive oboe solo with Dave Liebman chiming in as well. The two almost sound like courting bumblebees. Pillow’s oboe technique is almost uncanny as he navigates that difficult instrument with greater finesse than many oboists I have heard. There are some beautiful, tender moments followed by great dissonance. This is really and album of contrasts. One moment it is sweet and tender and the next there is thunderous chaos.
The opening of Turn It Around arranged by Guri Agmon begins with a very nice drum solo by Marko Marcinko. Later guitarist Vic Juris solos on guitar. It seems to hint at that New Orleans 2nd Line groove only for a moment. Marcinko follows with some formidable snare drum handiwork of his own.
All in all, The Dave Liebman Big Band features an impressive cast of some of the east coast’s finest jazz musicians. These same musicians are assembled in an ensemble clearly rooted in the traditions of big band jazz. They are however, not afraid to take risks, explore tonalities and time signatures and unique instrumentation not found in traditional jazz big band playing. It is well worth a listen. If you’re looking for String of Pearls and In the Mood, you’re not going to find it here. You will find some inventive writing and inspired playing within an extremely broad sonic palette with shades of Ellington, Basie and just a touch of Sun Ra.
Dave Liebman under the direction of Gunnar Mossblad is always pushing the envelope with his big band. This comes as no surprise as Liebman’s post-Coltrane saxophone playing has demonstrated over the years with many diversions from traditional western harmony. He is a true innovator, artist and experimentalist.
You can find out more about Dave Liebman at daveliebman.com
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