FEET OFF THE GROUND
Jeff Libman – Guitar
Michael Kocour – Piano
Lewis Nash – Drums
Ben Hedquist - Bass
Feet Off the Ground is a jazz quartet album led by guitarist Jeff Libman, inspired by jazz guitar masters such as Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and Peter Bernstein. As those artists tell familiar stories in new ways, Libman seeks to do the same, with fresh arrangements of American Songbook tunes “A Sleepin’ Bee,” “You’re My Thrill,” “Violets For Your Furs” and “Love Letters,” as well as a mixed-meter reimagining of Dexter Gordon’s hard bop classic “Cheese Cake,” and a crackling version of Ariana Grande’s contemporary pop song “No Tears Left to Cry.”
Along with two original compositions, a gorgeous ballad, and a gem by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Feet Off the Ground captivates from beginning to end. In addition to his arrangements and compositions, Libman brings a nuanced, thoughtful approach to melodies and improvisation. Pianist Michael Kocour, longtime sideman to Benny Golson and James Moody, here displays his trademark accompaniment skills as well as his swinging ebullience as a soloist. Bassist Ben Hedquist, a highly creative player and composer in his own right, finds the perfect balance of support and interaction here. And the incomparable Lewis Nash, a living legend of the jazz drums, contributes his unparalleled musicality to the group sound.
About Jeff Libman
Jeff Libman is “a sensitive guitarist with a graceful, melodic turn to his flowing improvisations” (Jazz Journal). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. Libman performs frequently in the Phoenix metropolitan area, sharing the stage with some of Arizona’s finest jazz musicians, including Lewis Nash, Michael Kocour, Dom Moio, Eric Rasmussen, and Ben Hedquist. Regarding his most recent album, Strange Beauty, released on the Cellar Live label, Libman was praised by Audiophile Audition for his “vision and creativity,” and the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors called it “an excellent recording.” Strange Beauty received extensive national radio airplay and spent several weeks on the JazzWeek chart. He has recorded a new album with an anticipated release of late 2024.
Libman is Vice President of the Board of Directors of The Nash, Phoenix’s premiere jazz performance and education space. For his work in supporting the Phoenix artistic community, he was bestowed an Arts Hero award in 2018, which “recognizes those individuals who tirelessly work to promote the arts and culture of the valley.”
