Dave Liebman and Richie Beirach have known each other for forty years. They don’t need to talk to understand one another, notes suffice. They get along harmoniously. Their bond dates back to the sixties when they played together in the group “Lookout Farm” led by Dave Liebman…
Eighty-three or not, saxophonist Lee Konitz never seems to lose his enthusiasm for new musical situations. In this one, he's shooting the breeze with Dave Liebman, a sax master of a later generation (though they were both Miles Davis employees, Konitz for Birth of the Cool in 1948-51, Liebman with the early electric bands in 1972-74) and the versatile pianist Richie Beirach.
Pianist Richie Beirach and saxophonist Dave Liebman have teamed up on many record dates through the years starting in 1973. This CD reissue, taken from the Japanese Trio label, is a set of duets that are primarily introspective and thoughtful. However, the melodies (mixing together originals and standards) are strong, Liebman's reeds (tenor, soprano and alto flute) provide some variety, and the musical communication is very tight. The date is a sleeper, but listeners who have the patience will find much to enjoy, with the highlights including "Spring Is Here" (featuring Liebman's soprano), Beirach's "Eden," Liebman's tonal distortions on tenor during "Cadeques," and his unaccompanied tenor on "In a Sentimental Mood."
A thunderous recording by saxophonist Liebman from the year 1974. Here the American saxophonist - and friends Abercrombie and Beirach - are flanked by no less than eight drummers and percussionists. To listen to 'Drum Ode' is to swim in waves of rhythms, cross-rhythms, polyrhythms, to be carried along by tidal beats. At the time when he made 'Drum Ode', Liebman was playing with the Miles Davis Group in its most electric/tribal groove period, and Miles's influence is clearly discernible here.