Manhattan Dialogues, the new Zoho release by the sax/piano duo Liebman
and Markowitz is a cerebral conversation, at times dark and brooding
and at other times light and playful. It is evident that these two
musicians have played together for years. Liebman is usually upfront in
the mix with Markowitz commenting on Liebman’s leads. This recording is
an out/in chamber recital best appreciated by fans of Liebman’s soprano
sax stylings. This is not music for background listening and takes full
concentration. I found it taken best in small doses.
Recorded at the Manhattan School of Music, an appropriate setting for a
duo recording, the CD features four originals of each duo member, plus
the standards The Night Has 1000 Eyes and Monk’s Round Midnight.
Favorite tracks include the tender Teacher of our Child, and Mahoning,
featuring Liebman playing tenor. The latter number, written by Liebman,
is the fourth movement of a five-part suite originally scored for
orchestra and piano trio.
Tracks: Teacher of our Child, 7, Phillipe Under the Green Bridge, Sno’
Peas, Jung, Off by One, Mahoning, The Night Has 1000 Eyes, ‘Round
Midnight
– Jeff Krow
