Dave Liebman Quartet, with guest Randy Brecker

In his recent Saxophone Summit appearance at the Williams Center, NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman revisited the world of John Coltrane along with Joe Lovano and Ravi Coltrane. This time, Liebman is featured with his own quartet of longtime collaborators Vic Juris on guitar, Tony Marino on bass, and Marko Marcinko on drums. Typical of the lavish praise extended to this powerhouse group is Don Heckman’s recent comments in International Review of Music: “What was most remarkable about the Liebman set, in its entirety, was the fact that it was utterly contemporary, cutting edge, envelope-stretching jazz in which the music nonetheless reached out to engage the listeners. At a time when ego-focused technique and virtuosity make too many jazz sets into fast-fingered personal showcases, Liebman and his players reminded us that the best jazz—classic or contemporary—always has the power to touch the emotions.” A compelling addition to the evening is trumpet genius Randy Brecker, returning to the Williams Center as Liebman’s special guest. Dubbed “a true musical pioneer,” Brecker is revered for his “quest for musical excellence, constantly expanding his trumpet style and unparalleled catalogue of compositions.”