The Saxophone Summit - Gathering of Spirits

Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano, three of the most prolific and innovative saxophonists in jazz, have played together periodically since 1996 as an experimental trio known as Saxophone Summit.

Saxophone “battles” have traditionally inspired musicians to play their best. But more than just a cutting contest, this gathering is a multi-faceted musical equation greater than the sum of its parts.

Gathering of the Spirits, their first recording, recalls the animated instrumental discourse long prized in blowing sessions popularized by Jazz at the Philharmonic, yet stylistically it mirrors John Coltrane's final epoch.

David Liebman believes late Coltrane has been "largely under appreciated and unexplored. In his final years, Coltrane's music included amazingly beautiful, lyrical melodies offset by intense, abstract and dissonant free group improvisation."

This recording also explores two other aspects of his legacy: Joe's composition, Alexander the Great represents Trane's period with Miles Davis and India, his landmark 60s Quartet.

A supportive rhythm section, three equally adept and substantial creators, provides the perfect foundation and inspiration for the saxophonists' musical peregrinations.

In live performance and on this recording, Phil Markowitz, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart attain the ideal balance between surprise and predictability, contributing the ideal musical environment for the disparate elements that happen so spontaneously here.

After this January, 2004, recording, and several New York engagements, Brecker was off to Japan, Liebman to Paris, and Lovano to Chicago. Although they lead their own groups, there is no doubt the Saxophone Summit will return. In fact, they are schedule for a February, 2005 at Birdland.

Video Interview (Windows Media, Cable/DSL Recommended):

Brecker on Lovano. Michael shares his thoughts on one of his favorite tenor players, a guy from Cleveland.

Not A Battle. Joe and Mike discuss why Saxophone Summit isn't a competition but an inspiring collaboration, a "beautiful exchange of ideas."

Listen to an NPR Feature by Ashley Kahn with Joe and Lieb.

Read David Liebman's article on Saxophone Summit.

Buy Saxophone Summit's debut CD, Gathering of Spirits.