Stars inspired saxman Liebman

The Dave Liebman Quartet will be in concert at 8 and 10 p.m. Monday in Murphy's Place, 151 Water St. Tickets for adults are $10 to $20. Information: 419-241-7732.

Dave Liebman was a young classical musician whose life was transformed by seeing legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane in concert.

"I saw him many times in the clubs in New York City when I was growing up," said Liebman, the saxophonist who will be in concert Monday night with his quartet in Murphy's Place.

He said Coltrane was an inspiration because of "the sincerity, honesty, and of course, the great skill that was evident. And also the communication between the musicians in his group."

Liebman, who turned 60 last month, was hired by Coltrane's former drummer, Elvin Jones, in 1968, and two years later joined Miles Davis' band.

"Working with Miles was the best apprenticeship you could have - watching him each night, seeing how he led the band," he said.

Liebman has led groups and worked with numerous jazz greats, including pianist Richard Beirach, guitarist John Scofield, and pianist Chick Corea. He also has recorded instructional DVDs and published numerous articles for jazz educators.

While Liebman is well known in jazz circles, he has never forsaken his classical roots and continues to play and record classical music.

"I'm from the era when we listened to all music, everything from classical and jazz to rock and roll, free jazz, and bebop. Great music is just great music," he said.

He'll be performing at Murphy's Place with his longtime quartet, featuring Vic Juris on guitar, Tony Marino on bass, and Marko Marcinko on drums.

Liebman said he has two recordings coming out soon, a classical CD, "Vienna Dialogues," on the Zoho label, with romantic music from the 18th and 19th centuries, and "Blues All Ways," a blues disc featuring his regular jazz quartet.

The Dave Liebman Quartet will be in concert at 8 and 10 p.m. Monday in Murphy's Place, 151 Water St. Tickets for adults are $10 to $20. Information: 419-241-7732.

Contact David Yonke at:

dyonke@theblade.com or

419-724-6154.