Dave Liebman

This book should be seen as a method to help the artist to develop his or her own way when trying to improvise chromatically. Through the concepts and examples offered, the improvisor should be able to use this material alongside already familiar tonal ideas. Specifically, the book serves as a guide for organizing chromaticism into a coherent musical statement meant to satisfy both the intellectual and emotional needs of artistic creation. The reader will be introduced to more than one way of conceiving chromatic lines and harmonies. There is nothing theoretically complex or new in the text, it is the organization of the material as well as many musical examples and transcriptions (Bach, Scriabin, Coltrane, Shorter, Hancock, Beirach, Liebman a.o.) which should serve to inspire musicians to expand their usual diatonic vocabulary. This book also provides insight into the style of playing that David Liebman is known for. In addition the book contains 100 assorted solo lines and 100 chord voicings. More from David Liebman at his homepage.

Leibman's Self Portrait is an absolute must for anyone who studies or listens to jazz. It is a penetrating, eloquently expreaed view of the artistic procea of jazz improvisation, written by a brilliantly creative and accomplished player. The book is uniq

Dave Liebman is one of the leading forces in contemporary jazz. Prominently known for performing with Miles Davis and Elvin Jones, he has exerted considerable influence as a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, author, and educator. In What It Is: The Life of a Jazz Artist, friend, pianist, and noted jazz scholar Lewis Porter conducts a series of in-depth interviews with Liebman, who discusses his professional, personal, and musical relationships with notable musicians, as well as such personal matters as contracting polio as a child. Featuring rare photos from Liebman's personal collection, this fascinating and witty story will not only appeal to jazz fans and scholars but also to those readers interested in the story of how a young man followed his dream to become one of the leading jazz artists of our time.

"The Art of Skill chronicles and showcases Dave Liebman’s pursuit and attainment of living life as art. Lieb harnesses the mystery of the creative life-force and rides it to the truth that we all have something to say." (Peter Erskine)This is a candid and fascinating look at the mental, psychological and spiritual aspects of musical mastery for any musician playing jazz and other styles. It's about listening and following one's muse in order to attain excellence. Lieb has much to say about the critically important stage of discovering one's unique musical voice with some of the challenges that players experience in attaining this goal.The importance and various approaches towards practicing is a key topic examined in this book. Lieb shares his insights and recounts stories of how other master artists achieved excellence ranging from Michael Brecker to Miles Davis. In particular, having been on stage and in the recording studio with Miles, Lieb shares his special insights into Davis as a performer and bandleader.Another topic rarely discussed is how artists are naturally sensitive to life-changing epiphanies as happened to Lieb when he first heard John Coltrane at Birdland, a New York jazz club when Lieb was a teenager. There is also a very positive discussion of the commonalities of jazz musicians.As a special bonus, Lieb lists his personal favorite albums and tracks. Become inspired by listening to this book written by a decades-long leader and teacher who has pondered the many facets of what it takes to become a world-class artist.

The Jazz Book of Two LifetimesNEA Jazz Master saxophonist Dave Liebman and pianist Richie Beirach have enjoyed a fifty-year friendship on and off the bandstand. They’ve performed with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and their own bands. Ruminations and Reflections takes readers on a rollicking journey through their musical lives. Along the way, they share their views on jazz education, prominent musicians, and musical preparation. Liebman and Beirach pay tribute to their musical mentors, tour their discography, and suggest essential recordings to study. The book’s conversational style will delight students, professionals, and music lovers alike."We really don’t have an exact name for musicians like Dave and Richie. Across decades of recordings and concerts, their aspirations obliterate the definitions of any single genre. This volume reveals the deep insight and wisdom required to resolve their shared quest for meaning in music. Both are master players who continue to strive for what goes beyond and what lies beneath. Reading their words and following their stories in this wonderful book affirms the feeling that they share on the bandstand as one of the great long-term partnerships in this music." – Pat MethenyA masterclass in the art and skill of jazzRuminations and Reflections is more than just a jazz biography, it is a masterclass in how to improvise, jazz theory, how to listen to jazz, and the business of being a musician in today’s world. Never shy, these two friends share fascinating and revealing stories of growing into their musical selves, late night hangs with legendary musicians, and the jazz life.Known for their virtuosity and playing free, Liebman and Beirach share their secrets for preparing for the ultimate exercise of musical improvisation. Both musicians use their deep devotion to classical music as a basis for improvisation, crossing genres and boundaries to create spontaneous and beautiful musical experiences.As veteran educators, Dave and Richie share their wisdom and life lessons to keep the legacy of jazz improvisation and free jazz alive. Jazz musicians and students will find value in their masterful analysis of duo playing, comping, and musical leadership.For fans of jazz masters and legendsRuminations and Reflections showcases never before told anecdotes and opinions about musical legends including, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Chick Corea, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. Jazz fans will delight in the in-depth analysis of over twenty of this duo’s best recordings, providing insight and history to this important discography.A journey through modern jazz history Jazz aficionados will enjoy the personal accounts of their formative years in Brooklyn, developing a passion for music that has lasted a lifetime. A road trip through Brooklyn and Manhattan sets the scene for reminiscences about the New York City jazz scene today and in days gone by. Jazz clubs like Birdland and the Village Vanguard come to life with tales of the musicians who played there.Ruminations and Reflections chronicles the intersection of jazz and rock and roll in the fertile early 1970’s New York loft scene. Beirach and Liebman were pioneers in the jazz fusion era and recount tours, jam sessions, and recordings with their bands Lookout Farm and Quest. They continue to marvel audiences in any musical setting.

Paperback book.

53 original compositons by the popular contemporary sax man, some based on standards with Dave's unique harmonic touch. Some are in lead line (fake book) form, some are arranged for piano, and others are in sketch orch. form (melody on the top staff and harmony parts written on the lower staff/staves.) 160 pages. Having the invaluable experience of being associated with Lieb on many levels for many years, and also having played and recorded many of these compositions, I can say from experience that his music offers not only the greatest challenges but also the greatest rewards. Practicing and performing his compositions will give you exposure to every type of playing situation imaginable and broaden your musical and improvisational horizons. (Phil Markowitz)

set consists of DVD + printed book

Chapter titles in this book OVERVIEW OF THE PLAYING MECHANISM BREATHING THE LARYNX THE OVERTONE EXERCISES THE TONGUE POSITION AND ARTICULATION THE EMBOUCHURE REEDS AND MOUTHPIECES EXPRESSIVE TECHIQUES PRACTICING 50 pages.