Freebop (CD)

In this present release, several musical pillars are brought together: the close collaboration with star pianist Kenny Werner, with whom Benjamin has worked closely for more than ten years and released nearly ten CDs. Bassist Scott Colley, formerly a first-call for legends such as Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, and Carmen McRae, and who, since 2013, has been part of a steady trio with Benjamin Koppel and drum icon Brian Blade. Drummer Bob Gullotti, who has been one of the most significant innovators of jazz drumming for nearly 40 years and one of the most important educators at the world’s most prestigious jazz school, Berklee School of Music in Boston. And finally, saxophonist David Liebman, who hardly needs further introduction—Liebman, who was discovered by Miles Davis and played in the trumpeter’s group for several years and on multiple recordings, is one of the most important saxophonists of the latter half of the 20th century.

The group was brought together for a series of concerts at SummerJazz, the segment of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival where Benjamin has served as artistic director for ten years. Fortunately, the concerts were recorded and are now being released—at the initiative of David Liebman. He was so enthusiastic about the music that he had been advocating for the concert’s release for several years.

And now, the release is finally a reality—both as an essential historical documentation of a magical evening at the Betty Nansen Theatre on a summer night in July 2015, and as an independent, outstanding jazz work with artistic depth and a clear urban atmosphere.

Simply put, this is New York jazz at its finest.

David Liebman - soprano & tenor sax

Benjamin Koppel - mezzo soprano & alto sax

Kenny Werner - piano 

Scott Colley - bass

Bob Gullotti - drums 

All tracks composed by Benjamin Koppel, except Lonely Woman by Ornette Coleman