Saxophonist Liebman’s played so well for so long in such varied settings that he may currently be taken for granted. This recording’s by his working group: guitarist Vic Juris, keyboardist Phil Markowitz, bassist Tony Marino and drummer Jamie Haddad, and has a strong Brazilian flavor, accented by the presence of percussionist Cafe. It’s full of subtlety and lyricism. Dave plays mostly soprano, on which he contributes fluid, attractive solos.
During “Gross Man” he turns in hot, Coltrane-like tenor playing. Markowitz and Juris distinguish themselves as soloists and accompanists. Both alternate on acoustic and electric instruments, which, with Liebman’s doubling, gives the group an enlarged palette of sounds.
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