Dave Liebman: Expansions: The Puzzle
ByThat process is exemplified in the title track, "The Puzzle," which starts out as a series of banged out dissonant chords with an offbeat syncopation by pianist Bobby Avey, a statement which is then woven into a series of deviating blues improvisations by Liebman on soprano saxophone, followed by Avey's Debussy-like piano etude that evolves into an upbeat improvisation that gains in intensity and leads into Matt Vashlishan's alto saxophone bebop references. But the piece ends with giant step intervals that deconstruct the mainstream effect, leaving the listener puzzled. The styles change in a zig-zag fashion with each chorus, which has the effect of a Zen koan: think -but don't think.
The one exception to this dynamic is a lively version of the Tadd Dameron standard, "Good Bait," which is improvised "in the old fashioned way" with trading choruses and a straight-ahead rhythmic pulse. It is sheer fun and a nod to the bygone time when you could just snap your fingers, relax, and enjoy the swing.
The concluding track, "Danse de la Fureur," is based upon a movement from Olivier Messaien's Quartet for the End of Time. As arranged by Liebman, it becomes a contorted, twisted apocalyptic fall into the darker regions of the underworld. It goes wild with sonic effects that make the surprises and shocks of the rest of the album seem mild by contrast.
On first listening, this album disturbs the listener's expectations in ways reminiscent of "free jazz" -an unfamiliarity stemming from a lack of expected structure. But after a couple of replays, the enjoyable feeling of familiarity appears. This is because of a not-so-carefully guarded secret of Dave Liebman. As far out as he goes with his advanced excursions, underneath there is always the anchor of the blues and the pentatonic scale of impressionism and the American Songbook. Add more than a touch of Monk, as this album does, and you're back home in your comfort zone.
Track Listing
Hat Trick; For J.A.; Vendetta; Good Bait; Sailing; The Puzzle; Off Flow; Continues to Ignore; Off and Off; The Thing that Wouldn’t Leave; Danse de la Fureur
Personnel
Dave Liebman: leader, soprano saxophone, wooden recorder; Matt Vashlishan: clarinet, flute, alto saxophone, straw, EWI; Bobby Avey: acoustic piano; electric keyboard; Tony Marino: acoustic, electric bass; Alex Ritz: drums, frame drum.
Album information
Title: Expansions: The Puzzle | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound
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Instrument: Saxophone, soprano
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