The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner

Chronique

David Liebman did it alone (solo and ensemble multi-dubbing) on The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner. The "distance" on this very personal program conception was one of one's life span, with Liebman viewing the importance of the race being not the finality but the process of the experience. Included with this work are notes by the artist which may or may not help the listener relate to the music by the suggested imagery of the notes or titles. The multi overdubs were particularly well integrated, giving much of this a WSQ (World Saxophone Quartet)-like texture under Liebman's bluesy Ornette Coleman-like lines (a lonely woman-like phrase recurs throughout)...The overdubbing added a great textural emotion and conveys the involvement and harmony one expects from a group. Over this the soprano saxman involved himself in some outstanding improvisations, maintaining a tension, passion and involvement which was unfaltering.

© Bob Rusch, Cadence /TiVo