Marc Copland

DIGIPACK EDITION

Opening the album, Liebman launches the familiar opening phrases of “Nardis” from his tenor saxophone, toying with them, letting each note fall away. The rhythm section soon joins him. Within seconds the toying is over and the album’s muscles are rippling in a show of strength that for more than an hour does not recede, regardless of tempo. The energy is in great part due to Liebman’s intensity on tenor and soprano saxophones, but drummer Stephans, pianist Copland and bassist Gress are in league with him through every track. The quartet’s responses to one another are instantaneous. Their empathy is deep, almost palpable. The audience at the Deer Head Inn in Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains is so attentive that the quality of their listening becomes a part of the room’s atmosphere.

PERSONNEL:

• DAVE LIEBMAN, tenor & soprano saxophones
• MARC COPLAND, piano
• DREW GRESS, bass
• MICHAEL STEPHANS, drums

TRACKS:

• 01. NARDIS
• 02. VERTIGO
• 03. YOU THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC
• 04. IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD
• 05. ALL BLUES
• 06. VESPER
• 07. SOWHAT