This is one of my most thrilling announcements ever. We’re super excited to be hosting Dave Liebman and his quintet, Expansions, this Saturday (4/23). Dave will be leading a clinic/performance with the entire quintet at the Saxquest shop from 2-4PM and then we’re also sponsoring his evening’s performance at Jazz at the Bistro with sets at 7:30PM and 9:30PM. This is a truly a unique opportunity to hear one of today’s real living legends. As the saxophone/flautist in both the Elvin Jones and Miles Davis Groups of the late 60’s/early 70’s and having played along side other legends such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and others, Dave represents a direct link to the masters who came before. However, he has not stayed there, he continues to push the musical jazz envelope, just as his mentors did in their day.
Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction. Downbeat Magazine
While others of his ‘60s generation have fallen off their ambition, Liebman has remained dogged about composition and trying different styles…he’s a fighter. Ben Ratliff-NY Times
Lieb discography is mind-blowing as he has played on over 500 hundred recordings with over two hundred under his leadership or co-leadership. In jazz education he is a renowned lecturer and author of several milestone books: Self Portrait Of A Jazz Artist, A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody, Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound, in addition to teaching DVDs, journalistic contributions to periodicals and published chamber music. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) existing since 1989. Awards include (Jazz Educators Network Legend of Jazz (2013); National Endowment of the Arts Masters of Jazz (2011); the Order of Arts and Letters (France 2009); Jazz Journalist’s award for Soprano Saxophone (2007); Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Solo (1998); Honorary Doctorate from the Sibelius Academy (Finland-1997). He is currently Artist in Residence at the Manhattan School of Music and has consistently placed in the top three places for Soprano Saxophone in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll since 1973, winning first place in both the Downbeat and Jazz Times Critic’s Poll in both 2011 and 2012.
With his quintet Expansions, Lieb is continuing the time worn tradition of master/apprentice as he experienced in the 1970’s being a member of groups lead by former Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones and the legendary Miles Davis. By reaching across generations, Lieb gains insight into the new directions that jazz has taken while offering these younger artists his experience and knowledge. “EXPANSIONS” features the up and coming pianist Bobby Avey, reedman Matt Vashlishan, drummer Alex Ritz while continuing his several decades relationship with bassist Tony Marino.
This performance/clinic is in part supported by Buffet Group and Keilwerth saxophones. We’ve enjoyed dealing in Keilwerth and Buffet high-end woodwinds over the past few years and will have one of the new Liebman Signature soprano saxes here for anyone interested in checking it out.
I can’t emphasize enough how amazing both the Saxquest clinic and the Bistro performances will be. I encourage you all to come check out as much of it as you can. Its doubtful this opportunity will present itself again anytime soon. I hope to see you on Saturday!!!
Also mark your calendar:
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet
Saturday May 28 – 2PM-4PM – PEDROSAXO & Derek Brown
Saturday July 16 – 2PM-4PM – Jason DuMars saxophone history & engraving clinic