Liebman Plays Puccini: Press Release

Liebman Plays Puccini: A Walk in the Clouds is a cinematic and visionary reimagining of some of the major arias of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) in a 21st century context. In the individualistic way that only Liebman can offer, the arias are simultaneously rooted in the western European language of art music and American jazz--a restructuralizing of the harmonies and timbre of Puccini, who himself died at the beginning of the Jazz Age. Could he have imagined that almost 80 years later, his music would be some of the most revered in opera, and the focus of one of jazz’s most inspired visionaries?

Liebman has released three other CD’s on Arkadia Jazz: the Brazilian flavored New Vista, John Coltrane’s Meditations, a 30th anniversary reinterpretation of the master’s groundbreaking work, and the thematic Elements: Water, featuring Pat Metheny. In 1998, Dave was nominated for a Grammy for his performance of “My Favorite Things”, off the Arkadia CD Thank You John!, a Coltrane tribute. Always the musical chameleon, Liebman turned his attention to the classical world for his next Arkadia CD.

“The story about how I found my way to Puccini is roundabout, and auspiciously begins with Miles Davis” says Liebman. “When I was in his band (1973) I would often be at his house on West 78th Street in Manhattan. One night I noticed the score to Turandot on the piano and asked him about it. He said that Gil (Evans) and he were going to a collaboration on it. Nothing transpired of it, but it stayed in my mind.”

15 years later, Dave heard a version of Tosca while teaching in Portugal, sung by Placido Domingo. “I heard these amazing melodies…and coupled with the memory of Miles having a Puccini score made me curious.” Dave then began his discovery of the music of Giacomo Puccini, with the help of Dr. Larry Fisher at East Stroudsburg University. “I studied the scores, listened to all the operas and spent months finding melodies that appealed to me, which I could adapt to my musical preferences. I spent one winter on the music in the early 90’s, which I put away until this recording became a reality.”

For this recording, Liebman assembled his regular band (Vic Juris on guitar, Phil Markowitz, keyboards, Tony Marino, bass) with the addition of Matt Wilson on drums, Phil Woods on alto and vocalist Lenora Zenzalai Helm. Several selections feature the tonal colors of cello, bassoon and oboe. Together, arias from Tosca, Madam Butterfly, Turandot, La Boheme and Gianni Schicci are reinvented. “By use of reharmonization techniques, available instrumental colors and insertion of vamps, I was able to mold the music for myself without changing or altering any of the amazing melodies,” says Dave. Some of the best known arias are explored: “Nessum Dorma”, “O Mio Babbino Caro”; “Vissi D’Arte”, all with a 21st century rhythmic jazz vision, but with respect to the 19th century melodic sensibility in which they were composed.

The ever shifting palate of sound reminds us that great music is timeless. The cinematic qualities are stressed, and even removed from the context of the operas, the arias stand alone as unique. With the rest of the world (not just opera buffs) discovering and presenting the genius of Puccini, David Liebman can also be added to the list, from Aretha Franklin to the late Grover Washington Jr. Dave continues to be one of the boldest and uncompromising musicians of his era; whether it’s bop, free, chamber or highly structured music, Liebman pushes the limits of how jazz is heard, seen and felt.