Lesson with the Master

A good teacher can help you come to terms with what you need to learn. That was my experience yesterday. I had a music lesson with David Liebman, one of the top saxophonists in the world. For two hours, we talked about contemporary harmony, which he demonstrated at his piano in nearby Stroudsburg. It was as if he stuck a screwdriver into my ear and pried it open.

I've mentioned Lieb in a previous post (see 4/27/06) after he played a gig in my town. Ever since the late '70's, I have been aware of his world-class musicianship, as well as his commitment to jazz education. I never dreamed that we would get a chance to talk music. After all, the guy played with Miles Davis at the beginning of his career, and has been ascending musically ever since.

In reflecting on the psalms, I've been trying to find an appropriate musical vocabulary for the psalms of lament. Liebman's approach to chromatic harmony suggests one way forward. Imagine a cluster of notes, without concern for dissonance or resolution. Imagine the honesty of every one of the twelve notes being treated equally. Imagine if there no "right" or "wrong" notes -- but rather notes played honestly and passionately in the hope that Someone will hear them. This is a kind of metaphor for the prayer that we find in the psalms.

Thanks to my friend Tony Marino, who encouraged me to study with Dave and provided the introduction. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have my world expanded, even if my ears feel like they are trickling blood today. And I'm thankful that there are people like Lieb who are so generous with their knowledge.

For a good listen, check out Manhattan Dialogues, a new duo album that explores some of the harmony that I'm hearing. Or check out the sound clips or videos at Dave's website.

Today's memory verse: "Morning by morning, he wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught." (Isaiah 50:4)