David Liebman: The Tree (Soul
Note)
Solo soprano saxophone, 1991
Although Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner predates this album by a few
years, The Tree was Liebman’s first
truly solo outing. No overdubs, just solo soprano.
The concept album (along with the
tribute album) is bit of a specialty of Liebman, and I think he over does it. The Tree features 12 improvisations
(each in the 3-5 minutes range), with the components of a tree used as a
conceptual framework for the improvising. Liebman moves from the “Roots,” to the
“Trunk,” “Limbs,” “Branches,” “Twigs,” and “Leaves” and then back through the
cycle in reverse.
As usual, tone is the first thing
that grabs my ear. There’s plenty of buzz to the sound (in the middle register
especially). It’s definitely something I associate with Liebman’s sound from
this era, but it is particularly apparent on this recording. The conceptual
framework of the album works, as the structure brings enough variety to keep
things interesting, while Liebman’s trademark chromatic lines and fiery
approach to the horn bring continuity to the work.
“Roots” - the less dense of the
movements features wider intervals
“Trunk” - snaking lines increasing
in boldness
“Limbs” - up-tempo lines moving
to breaking point (with the occasional grunt or two)
“Branches” - more lyrical approach
with a bit more breathing space, combines approaches of the previous three
tracks and hints at things to come.
“Twigs” - airy sounds, trills,
and flourishes intensify moving towards leaves.
“Leaves” - wailing altissimo and
multiphonics (I think it was Ron McClure who coined the “pet store on fire”
phrase when describing Lieb playing this way).
I can’t say Liebman is my
favourite soprano player, but as a soprano saxophonist I do enjoy listening to
him on the straight horn. It’s a case of enjoying hearing someone who can
really play the instrument but not really connecting aesthetically.
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