Master Classes

From the Pocono Record - Friday, August 1, 1997

They Learn From the Master

Liebman, a saxophonist and former member of Miles Davis' band, is teaching a saxophone master class at East Stroudsburg University. Well known in Europe and Japan, Liebman has traveled all over the world and used to teach all his classes abroad. He still travels about three months a year to spread his jazz wisdom. But this week, the sounds of the saxophone, some laughter and a lot of jazz intuition can be heard coming from the band room in ESU's Fine Arts center. "I thought it might be nice to go home for lunch for a change," said Liebman. This is the 10th year he has taught this class at ESU. Liebman moved to Stroudsburg from Brooklyn in 1987. "New York City is the center of jazz," Liebman said. He adds that the Pocono region is one of the few areas outside of the city where jazz is readily accepted and popular. In 1969, Liebman came to Mount Airy Lodge near Mount Pocono for a jam session. "For all I knew, the Poconos could have been Nebraska," he said. "America in general is not a great home for jazz," Liebman said. "Jazz has outgrown America. There's more energy and motivation coming from elsewhere. "There isn't a level of sophistication outside of the big cities to support jazz. But New York exerts its influence here."  A good indication of jazz's international flavor is evident in Liebman's class. About half of the class is from outside the U.S. Liebman has musicians in his class from Italy, Holland, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Canada, as well as members of the U.S. Air Force and Navy bands. "This is an international event," Liebman said. He is the founder and director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz. "This class is becoming a IASJ event," he said. "(Liebman) is a great master," said Rodrigo Santos of Brazil. "I've known him through his books and seeing him at a clinic at Berkeley. To be here, it's a great experience. " Greg Dudzienski of Virginia said, "I'm thrilled. I've been following David's work since I started playing 15 years ago." Santos and Dudzienski said they were, "Hungry to receive." "Everyone here has something to offer," Dudziensky added. Ages in this year's class range from 16 to 38, but Liebman has taught people up to 60 years old. All the musicians in the class send Liebman a tape proving their quality to get accepted.

2010: Tony Malaby
2009: Chromatic Masterclass with Phil Markowitz
2008: Steve Wilson
2007: 20th anniversary celebration of John Coltrane: Ashley Kahn on “A Love Supreme” with performance of Meditations Suite
2006: Chromatic Masterclass with Phil Markowitz
2005: Tim Ries
2004: Chromatic Masterclass with Phil Markowitz
2003: Hal Galper (pianist)
2002: Rick Margitza
2001: Phil Woods
2000: George Garzone
1999: Jamey Haddad (percussionist)
1998: Joe Lovano
1997: Ellery Eskelin
1996: Pat Zimmerle
1995: Michael Brecker
1994: Bill Evans
1993: Steve Coleman
1992: Hartley Severnson (repair)/ David Bilger(classical)
1991: Gary Sugal (mouthpiece maker)
1988,1989,1990: Dave Guardala (mouthpiece maker)

Mr. Liebman,  

I wanted to thank you and your family for such an amazing week of music and  the sharing of relationships and experiences. It was inspiring for me just to witness and feel the energy you put into your life. When you entered a room and especially when you spoke, either verbally or musically, your spiritual presence was felt. You are what I aspire to be. I am sure that you are having to recover now from the past several days. You never gave up, and you were with us until the end. Thank you. Your  masterclass was amazing for me not only from the time I spent experiencing your ideas and lifelong pursuits, but from the friendships I acquired that I know will last a lifetime. I hope to see you again in the near future, and I wish you luck in all your upcoming adventures and your future endeavors.  Music is life, so live on! Once again, thank you!!  

-David Noland

 

Thanks for all that kindness….

Thanks for all that great moments you’ve spent with us…

Thanks for all that frankness…

Thank you for all that energy.

I’ve spent a wonderful week beside you and all the persons (Pat, Caris, Bryant, Tony, Marko, Phil, and all the saxophonists & Marcel!) I’ll remember it a long time.

A bientot.

-Jean Charles

 

For the record David Liebman is the best musician I've ever been around.   He is a giving person of his time and talent and is utterly himself which is a great achievement in any time or place.  While he is an important part of the tradition he preaches the value of the art form as a whole which is in my view is to be admired and is an act of genuine humility.  Take this class if you can I'm so glad I came.

Christopher Braig -  2010

 

Hello Dave,

I'm sending you this email to thank you for this wonderful week clinic in
Stroudsburg.
Thank you to invit us in this bucolic region whose allow me to get down in
brackets everyday life and put a lot into this clinic.
Thank you to pass on me your incredible energy.
Thank you to back up me in a definite music conception.
Thank you to enjoy me listen to a jazz witness and a jazz mediator so colorful.
Thank you for this music love and life love.
Thank you for your great and deep humaness.
Thank you.

Yours, Olivier Sauvan - 2010

 

Hey Lieb, 

I just wanted to say thank you so much for an AWESOME class...I really enjoyed it and I learned a TON...I have been focusing on not dropping the jaw and mouthpiece alone for now, and I'm already noticing a little difference.  

I was truly inspired and highly motivated to excel by your playing, your teaching, and your personality as well as from being around and playing with the other guys there and your rhythm section.

So thanks so much for taking me into the class and for everything, and hopefully I will see you around!  Maybe I can make it back for the 25th anniversary but I'm not sure.

Thanks Lieb, 

Greg Blair - 2010