David Liebman & Ellery Eskelin

[relyles]

Has anyone else heard this one yet? It was recently released on hatOLOGY and in addition to Liebman and Eskelin also features bassist Tony Marino and drummer Jim Black. I have listened to it about three or four times now and I have yet to connect with the music. I don't know why. Maybe my expectations were too high. I have not listened to much Liebman, but I do consider myself somewhat of a fan of Eskelin's playing. There are a couple of tracks where they play Tad Dameron, Lee Konitz and Cole Porter tunes. Those are my favorite tracks. The originals have left me a little cold so far, but I want to keep listening. I was surprised at how similar Liebman and Eskelin sound - at least on this recording.

Anyone else give this a try? I think I need to find a chance when I can focus on this one and give it all my attention.

[sal]

I was thinking about ordering it. The band sounds great on paper, but I wanted to hear more opinions first. Thanks for your post, reyles.

[sal]

I am really liking this record. The thing that really does it for me is the fact that it has the feeling of an old school blowing session, but still sounds very modern. It has the two tenors, coming in and blowing on both standards and original compositions by both artists, but it has a very "fun" feel to it. There are times they seem to be trying to outblow each other, which is cool. The rhythm section consists of Liebman's bassist Tony Marino and Eskelin's drummer (at least most of the time), Jim Black. The band is really cooking and they acheive good chemistry with each other. As the notes point out, its very interesting to hear Liebman, typically a post-bop type player, and Eskelin, typically a freer player, find this common ground. As a huge Eskelin fan, I really liked hearing him in this territory that is more mainstream from his recent efforts, but still not mainstream. It sounds like it was a very challenging date for all involved, but I think both men really stepped up to the plate and really threw down some good jazz.

Its old fashioned, but its not. That's why I really like this date.

[relyles]

My appreciation for the disc increased with subsequent listens.

[P.L.M]

To have see them live (end of April in Brussels for the first concert of eleven date) help to like the record.

The interplay between Liebman & Eskelin was really amazing live.

It's a bit formal on the record but after few listening, okay.

What is missing from the concert is the explosive and incredibly inventiveness of the drumming of Jim Black.

The hatOLOGY offers just a "photocopy" of that.

Edited May 3, 2005 by P.L.M