Search - :: If Only They Knew

Liebman's quintet with John Scofield--4 1/2 stars

Michael Kydonieus | San Francisco, CA United States | 10/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Probably the best recorded example of Liebman's late 70s quintet with John Scofield. The program is mostly originals, which are pretty much all hard-driving, harmonically complex post-bop. Liebman is at his most unrestrained here--brutal, searching solo statements with no concession to commercialism. Scofield's comping style and sound doesn't make things any easier on the ears. At the time, he favored a rather harsh, trebly tone, unlike the fatter sound of his Grammavision recordings in the 80s. Combined with Liebman's acerbic sax, this makes for one challenging listen. If you can get past the harsh material and presentation, there is a hell of a lot of substance in these performances/tunes. The high point for me is Autumn in New York, a duet between Liebman and Scofield. The harmonies are altered (Liebman ALWAYS messes with the harmony when he plays standards) and Scofield accompanies him in a highly idiosyncratic manner. If I've made this cd sound like medicine, it does have that aspect to it, for which I've deducted half a star. But it's good for you! Recommended. If you would like to read more reviews like this, check out JazzboNotes.com."