David Liebman is considered a renaissance man in contemporary music with a career stretching over fifty years. He has played with masters including Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and others; authored books and instructional DVDs which are acknowledged as classics in the jazz field; recorded as a leader in styles ranging from classical to rock to free jazz. He has performed on over 500 recordings with 200+ as a leader/co-leader featuring several hundred original compositions. International recognitions and awards include :
- HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR JAZZ- SIBELIUS ACADEMY, HELSINKI, FINLAND (’97)
- ORDER OF ARTS AND LETTERS – PARIS, FRANCE (’09)
- NATIONAL ENDOWMENT OF THE ARTS (NEA) JAZZ MASTER-HIGHEST HONOR IN JAZZ FROM U.S. GOVERNMENT (’11)
“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
“The confidence that Dave Liebman shows in the chemistry of his musicians is justified and each hearing reveals new facets of these musical gems.” Ken Dryden, NYC Jazz Record
