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| Dave Liebman & Jeff Williams release "In Duo" LIVE Just as I was leaving my home town of Oberlin, Ohio to move to New York City in 1971, I was given David Liebman's phone number by someone who told me that Dave had started an organization for jazz musicians there. I knew of Dave, from Ten Wheel Drive and John McLaughin's My Goals Beyond, but I couldn't have imagined what a significant roll he would play in my musical life. Several years later Dave would leave Elvin Jones and Miles Davis to start his own band, with Richie Beirach, Frank Tusa, and myself, (later adding Badal Roy), naming it Lookout Farm. The succeeding period would be packed with recording and touring as the ensemble distinguished itself, culminating with a first place in Downbeat's Critics' Poll as 'Group Deserving of Wider Recognition' in 1976. Following the dissolution of Lookout Farm that same year, Dave and I embarked on a short duo tour opening for Gary Burton. That would be the last time the two of us would play until the occasion of this recording, fifteen years later. Fast forward to 1990 when I discovered an attractive bar located on the far West Side of 14th Street in Manhattan. Bar Room 432 would become a six night a week jazz club for a few years, providing me, and many others, with the opportunity to perform our music. Catching wind of this, Dave suggested we do a duo performance there. Luckily, I recorded it. The tape disappeared soon thereafter, however, only resurfacing recently while going through a multitude of cassettes accumulated over the years. I made a copy for Dave and he immediately responded with, "Let's put this out!" There was no preparation, no set music to be played - we simply improvised, picking up where we'd left off. Dave's mastery of the soprano saxophone is in full bloom here, as well as his incredibly resourceful musical mind. An abundance of wood In the room adds to the acoustic ambiance. We haven't titled the various spontaneously appearing motifs, although astute listeners may recognize one of them. I'm very pleased that this document exists. Thanks to Alex Bonney for editing and mastering and to Michael Janisch and Whirlwind Recordings for making it available. Most of all, thank you David Liebman for being a great friend and mentor, and, for believing in me enough during my formative years to have me as your drummer. It was an incredible honor and privilege. -Jeff Williams June 2023 write your comments about the article :: © 2023 Jazz News :: home page |