David Liebman, also known as Dave Liebman, is a saxophonist and composer who has been a prominent figure in the jazz world for over five decades. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946, and began playing the saxophone at the age of 12.
Liebman’s professional career started in the late 1960s, when he began performing with a number of jazz greats, including Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea. In the 1970s, he became a member of the seminal jazz fusion group, “Return to Forever”, led by Corea.
Throughout his career, Liebman has been a prolific performer, recording artist, and composer. He has released over 200 recordings as a leader or co-leader, and has played on countless others as a sideman.
In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Liebman is also an accomplished educator. He has taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Berklee College of Music, and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.
Liebman’s contributions to jazz have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame in 2000, and received a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2011 for his work with the group, “The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.”
Today, Liebman continues to be a highly influential figure in the jazz world, inspiring generations of musicians with his innovative approach to improvisation and composition. He remains an active performer, recording artist, and educator, and his contributions to jazz continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
Page last updated 3/26/2023.
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