David Liebman Group
Blues All Ways
Omni Tone Records
By George W. Harris

If you caught this band when they were in town last year at the Jazz Bakery, you know that these guys have got a bucketful of ideas, and a satchel full of soul. Sax titan Dave Liebman, essentially coleads this band with guitar legend Vic Juris and both together seem invigorated by the summit meeting. Maybe it’s because of Juris’ rock-laden licks, but Liebman sounds uncharacteristically bluesy, and the color fits him well. “Elvis The Pelvis”, with Juris’ six string Strat grooving away, captures the Memphis R&B mood with grit; Liebman is moaning and wailing like he’s walkin the bar on Beale Street! The West Coast Cool “Down Time” is boppish and spacious, with Tony Marino’s nimble bass work dancing around Juris’ clever guitar effects. “Blues Mirage”has moments reminiscent of King Crimson, with Juris’ Fripp-like guitar edginess tinkling around Marko Marachinko’s kinetic drumwork.While Liebman gets down on the Eddie Harris flavored “Compared to Who”, he is also able to sound Dreamy and pastoral on tunes like “64 Strings and a Reed”, which also includes some post modern Django chops by Juris. Varied, with each idea succeeding, this disc is a surprising joy, and a welcome souvenir to their amazing tour. At 60, Liebman sounds like he’s got his best years ahead of him.