Dave Liebman, Adam Rudolph, Hamid Drake - Chi (2019) [Hi-Res]

In the philosophical tradition of Taoism, “Chi” is the word used to describe the animating force of the universe, the breath of life that permeates all existence. A natural phenomenon, when channeled it can provide a spark to ignite seemingly supernatural powers. In their first meeting as a trio, saxophone great and NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman and virtuoso percussionists Adam Rudolph and Hamid Drake tap into that spiritual force to create Chi, a transcendent collaboration deeply possessed of fresh inspiration and deep roots, ancient traditions and modern invention.

Chi brings together these three master musicians for a breathtaking excursion into spontaneous composition, an extended, adventurous set of free improvisation that maintains a throughline of resilient architecture and unexpected twists and turns. Nowhere revealing the tenuous moments that might be expected in an initial collaboration, the music is vivid and powerful from beginning to end, evoking timeless traditions while surging forward with ferocious abandon.

“Taoism is all about being in tune with our true nature,” Rudolph explains. “Chi is all about the yin and yang of receptivity and action. Musically, that becomes the ebb and flow of listening and generating ideas. The music on Chi was so successful because... more

Dave Liebman soprano and tenor saxophones, piano (“Formless Form”), wooden recorder
Adam Rudolph handrumset (kongos, djembe, tarija) piano (“Becoming”), sintir,
multi-phonic vocal, percussion, electronic processing
Hamid Drake drumset, vocal, frame drum, percussion