This is one we've been anticipating for a long time.
We suspect tenor/soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman needs no introduction to Bop Shop concert attendees. He's a player who's been making his mark in jazz since the 1970s, initially playing in the groups of Miles Davis, Elvin Jones , John McLaughlin. But he also has delivered more than his share of classic albums including Lookout Farm and Drum Ode (recorded for then-young ECM label); a series of remarkable duet albums with pianist Richie Beirach; and we can't neglect the recordings he's made in the past decade. He reassesses standards both jazz and pop in intriguing ways. He's done album length explorations of the music of Kurt Weill, Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane. He's recorded with Lee Konitz and Evan Parker. He's played on more than 500 albums in his career!
You may have seen him tear up the stage at Montage with his quartet at the 2008 Rochester International Jazz Fest. Or you may have seen him recreate the organ trio in a delightful concert with the Hammond Brothers at the Bop Shop in 2009. There was the time in 2012 when he played as a member of drummer Phil Haynes' trio No Fast Food at Lovin' Cup. A double disc set was issued of that performance. Or perhaps you caught our presentation of his most recent quintet, Expansions, at Lovin' Cup last year with three young players pushed along by the veteran Liebman and his long-time cohort, bass player Tony Marino. Suffice it to say, if you've ever heard Liebman live, it's most likely been a great experience.
But you've probably never heard him like this. We're bringing him into the store for an intimate solo concert. Dave Liebman solo concerts are not too common. In his 45 years of recording, he's only released two solo recordings: 1985's Loneliness Of A Long Distance Runner and 2005's The Distance Runner. Of the latter, All Music Guide said: His playing is logical and, although there are intense and passionate moments, the music is often melodic. Although one would not often recommend unaccompanied saxophone recitals to casual listeners, Dave Liebman's outing is surprisingly accessible and well worth exploring.
He'll be playing tenor and soprano saxophones and, if we're lucky, he may pull grace us with a wood flute interlude and transport us deeper into the Lieb universe. We feel privileged to bring Dave Liebman in this solo context and it's going to be a memorable experience for all who attend. You don't want to miss it.