THE DAVE LIEBMAN GROUP
The quintessential contemporary jazzman, David Liebman has spent his whole career
playing with some of the best in the business. He spent extensive periods as a member of
the Miles Davis and Elvin
Jones groups. As a leader, he has been associated since 1970 with a
succession of extraordinary groups — from Open Sky Trio to Lookout Farm to Quest — each
of which has framed a distinct phase of his musical evolution. His present
ensemble, The Dave Liebman Group, was formed in 1991. Pursuing a very eclectic
contemporary style, the band has toured Europe, Japan and Israel, and recorded seven CDs.
Each member brings to the group a wide range of talents, which enables the music to move
in many directions. New Vista, the latest of the band's
recording efforts and one of the most accessible of Lieb's offerings to date, is the first
fruit of his collaboration with Arkadia Jazz, the company with whom he signed an
exclusive recording contract in 1996.
David Liebman:
Soprano and Tenor Saxophones, Flutes
Lieb has recorded dozens of albums as a leader and has been featured as a sideman on
nearly two-hundred others, including dates with Miles Davis and Elvin Jones. A virtuoso
performer, (for over twenty years he has placed in the top five of DownBeat Magazine's
readers' and viewers' polls of soprano saxophonists), Lieb's accomplishments are not
limited to his instruments. His unique sound, his expertise on several instruments,
together with his ability to communicate the intricacies of the jazz language and
technique, have made him much sought after as a teacher at universities and in clinics
around the world. He is the founder and artistic director of The International Association
of Schools of Jazz, an organization with members in 40 countries, and dedicated to
bringing together jazz students and educators from around the globe. Lieb is an exclusive
Arkadia Jazz artist.
Vic Juris: Acoustic and Electric Guitar
Has played and recorded with Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Dizzy Gillespie and,
in duo configurations, with guitarists Emily Remler, Birelli Lagrene and Larry Coryell.
On the staff at The New School and the Mannes School of Music in New York. Says Lieb,
"Vic is my front-line partner, essentially the second horn in the group; he fulfills
that role with great diligence and artistry. Vic has a searching impulse in his playing,
meaning he is always trying to push the envelope and sustain a high energy level."
Vic on the group: "My attitude and musical performance skills have changed for the
better since joining Lieb's band. Lieb, like Miles, will get the musical best out of his
fellow bandmembers."
Tony Marino: Acoustic and Electric Bass
Has worked with George Young, Phil Woods and Mose Allison.Tony's versatility, a
necessity because of his need to work all kinds of gigs from his Pennsylvania home, make
him a particularly valuable member of the group. Lieb reports that "Tony knows
exactly what his function in the group is. That is to be the BASE of the band and hold
things together. He's an undiscovered treasure who enables the rest of us to really take
off. His selflessness shines!"
Tony on the group: "Playing with the Dave Liebman Group is always a thrilling and
educational event. Every member of this band has abilities in many different idioms of
music, and that makes for a large palette to choose from. Dave's dedication, void of any
compromise, is an experience I shall never forget, and always look forward to."
Jamey Haddad: Drums & Percussion
His eclectic sideman credits include Oregon, Sonny Stitt, Paul Winter, Joe Lovano and
Carly Simon. Co-invented a unique ceramic instrument called the Hagadini Drum. On the
staff of Berklee. Writes for percussion journals. Says Lieb,"I've always felt that
percussion added to my music. Jamey's deep jazz roots, along with his expertise in world
rhythms, metric modulation and odd meters has helped me place an emphasis upon rhythm in
this group.".
Jamey on Dave Liebman: "Dave is the most inspired and hardest working musician I
know, comfortable enough in his own skin to tolerate me!. Dave not only gives me the
space I need, but he digs, mines and helps to refine the musical personalities in all the
musicians he comes into contact with."