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Artist: The Dave Liebman Group<\/a> As expected, Dave Liebman<\/a> has continued to expand his mammoth catalogue in 2010. \u00a0A number of releases have dropped in the last few months, but this particular record – I still use the word even though this is an iTunes-only release! – has flown somewhat under the radar. \u00a0While I still need to catch up on a number of the other releases, I can assure you that this one simply isn’t an afterthought (when compared to its more publicized counterparts).<\/p>\n The Dave Liebman Group is: Ornette Plus<\/em> serves as a live b-side of sorts to DLG’s recently-released studio album\u00a0Turnaround: The Music of Ornette Coleman<\/a> <\/em>(2010). \u00a0It features performances of three Coleman tunes – “Turnaround,” “Lonely Woman,” and “Cross Beeding” – as well as an adventurous 30-minute interpretation of Vic Juris’s “Victim.” \u00a0DLG is, hands down, arguably the best live ensemble I’ve seen. \u00a0Musicality and virtuosity aside, they have an unparalleled telepathy and empathy that allow them to convey a dynamic, unified message. \u00a0(If you ever have the chance to see them, take advantage of it; you won’t regret it.)<\/p>\n “Turnaround” kicks off the album nicely. \u00a0While maintaining a number of the “free” aspects, it’s full of two things: groove and the blues. \u00a0Even though the pulse tends to fluctuate, there’s always a deep, dirty groove. \u00a0The melody here features a wonderful heterophony between Liebman (tenor) and Juris (guitar) – one of the group’s hallmarks. \u00a0Those two have a truly impressive ability to move together melodically without 1) requiring the dreaded unison and 2) stepping on each others’ toes. \u00a0Before reprising the final melody, there’s some great call-and-response between these two lead players. \u00a0Bluesy and gritty, this is a great opener; a nice way to “ease” the listener into the more exploratory performances.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for something similar to the original “Lonely Woman,” then listen elsewhere. \u00a0The ensemble displays its collective abilities here, creating an ambient, quasi-electronic soundscape that sends the listener to another world. \u00a0Liebman trades in the sax for a wooden flute, soaring over a pulse-less backdrop of harmonic texture, drones, cymbals, and tribal percussion. \u00a0It’s almost difficult to believe it’s the same group, let alone the same album; a nice contrast to the opener.<\/p>\n “Cross Beeding” is pure Ornette. \u00a0After a brief solo introduction on soprano saxophone, Lieb and Juris once again lead the group heterophonically in a more “traditional” frenetic and stilted Coleman manner. \u00a0Abruptly changing pace, Marino shines on the bass, soloing over a spooky, ambient backdrop similar to “Lonely Woman.” \u00a0Gradually the entire ensemble joins, and Marcinko drives the rhythmic activity, escalating until the whole group is drunkenly dancing about at the end.<\/p>\n The album “closes” (it’s the entire second half) with “Victim,” a Juris original. \u00a0Not only does the quartet explore collectively here, but each member also gets a chance to shine in the spotlight. \u00a0The Coleman compositions were bent more towards featuring the ensemble as a whole, not unlike a classical concerto for orchestra. \u00a0“Victim,” however, allows each soloist to speak freely, with only two brief, burning<\/em> statements of the melody. \u00a0(A live performance was also released on 2008’s online release\u00a0Further Conversations<\/a>, but this one stretches much farther.) \u00a0Even though all of the tunes on this album aren’t from a single performance, this rendition of “Victim” ties the album together by both hinting at a number of styles explored earlier – free, ambient, and rhythmic – and via Lieb’s brief (un\/intentional?) quoting of “Turnaround.” \u00a0(The latter’s quite impressive if from a separate performance.) \u00a0It also forges new paths, featuring more extended techniques, solo play, and fast, hard-driving swing. \u00a0Vintage DLG.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n This was unintentionally a longer review than usual, but that’s because this album is worth it!<\/strong> It may not be the best place to start with Dave Liebman if you’ve not listened to him before – or much “progressive” jazz in general – but this should serve as a real treat to those familiar and\/or those with adventurous taste. \u00a0Do give this hidden gem a listen (or five or ten!) – you’ll be glad you did!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nAlbum: Ornette Plus<\/a><\/em> (2010)<\/p>\n
\nVic Juris – Guitar
\nDave Liebman – Saxophone
\nMarko Marcinko – Drums
\nTony Marino – Bass<\/p>\n