Fantastic Pete Christlieb !!! One of the greatest but still so underrated ! I don't understand why ! Hey, fans, come on, wake up !!! This man should be a STAR !!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful playing and superb sound...How refreshing to find natural acoustics serving the music instead of the usual non-sense soundproofed booths..! What are the microphones? Sanken? Thanks for this musical and sonic gem.
So besides the fact that this is an awesome video, and that Pete Chritlieb is the freakin man!!! Pete gave this mouthpiece that he uses in this video to my teacher, and my teacher just gave it to me to borrow! Maybe some of his freakin awesomness will rub off on my now! haha
His tone is a given...it's just good tone, I don't even think about it. When I recorded him he liked a little reverb and being out in front in the mix. That's what he got. I had Pete do 34 choruses of "Feedin' the Bean". LOL. He was great but this is so relaxing and beautiful that I just want to curl up and drift to heaven. Thanks Pete.
this is an absolutely gorgeous version of this song---a tune where the lyrics really don't sound great in this day and age but one where the melody played on tenor is just killer, and Pete tears it up here.-from Ken the Jazz Spy in SF
As long as I've heard this man play sax and in my own experiences with jazz music I have thought that he is very underrated. I've met Pete several times and he is an awesome guy, very tall, looks younger than he is and acts it too. If I could make a dream band he would be my tenor soloist. I've driven 2-3 hours one way just to hear him play and it was worth it. Love your playing Pete.
If you took every great tenor player that's come down the line and distilled the very best elements of their respective tones into a single auditory phenomenon, you'd begin to understand just what we're dealing with when you talk about Christleib's sound.
@rdangelo: I just heard FM yesterday, it's definitely Pete Christlieb playing the tenor. He also played on "Deacon Blues". Tom Scott's Steely Dan songs include "Peg", "Gaucho", and "Black Cow".
I used to Love seeing the Bellson Big Band in Donte's and sit at a table 5 or 10 feet away (if we got a good seat) from the two tenor players who were Pete and Don Menza. Wow, it just wouldn't quit.
Pete is one of greatest tenor players ever. Because he is recording so much, white, not pretentious, not a bullshit artist, he got but a tiny fraction of the attention he deserves. I worked with Stitt at 6, Blue mitchell at 17, Jimmy Smith at 16. I used to hang out at Bob Berg's Mom's place in Brooklyn with Bob. I know tenor players. Pete is the real deal. Bless him. And check out DeJulio... masterful.
Pete es uno de los más grandes saxos tenores del jazz,desde hace ya muchos años.gran sonido,lírico,y gran fraseo,como saxofonista, lo sigo como ejemplo,desde siempre¡¡yes¡ yes¡¡
We have the pleasure of working with this guy throughout the years (and decades). He is blessed with an amazing gift - and, he's the best guy you'd ever want to know. "Pete Christlieb" should have been a household name - among jazz musicians EVERYWHERE! Thanks for posting this beautiful video.
Pete Christlieb has had so much success playing some of the world's greatest pop sax solos at a time when the music was really happenin' that he should care less what any of us "wannabe's" pontificate about him. He has proven himself time and time again & it is documented. I personally think it is so cool how he is one of the few saxists who isn't afraid to be schmaltzy. He is the KING! Thanks for the inspiration Pete!
And one more thing. I just have to say that I cherish the solos Pete played and I internalized as a teenager of the Louis Bellson Explosion album w/Cat Anderson and Don Menza etc... You are such as gas! Just my 2 cents.
I hear ya! I wore those albums out and then bought anything I saw with Pete's name on it. He by far is the predominant artist on my Ipod and I never tire of the old or the new. I just added his live album from Vegas with Andy Martin. Just love it.
Petes sound is huge .He is the only horn player in the top bands in LA that really dosnt need to have a microphone to be heard.That When you know someone actually has a tone.
Not sure, but last time I saw him live at Charlie O's (March '08) he was playing a Cannonball that they were developing as a "signature" horn. He showed me his name engraved on it. Lovely Man. Lovely player.
The first time i heard Pete was on an album with Louie Bellson from 1966 playing 'I Remember Bird'.I've always loved his distinctive tone & style,he must be one of the best ballad players around.TFP
Pete, you are an elegant and awesome tenor player. Thanks for sitting in with me (on my old 1926 Buescher Aristocrat alto) in Kansas City this weekend. You are the greatest!
Pete is the best. So smooth. I have watched him in amazement since I was in high school and he was in his senior year at Venice High.I played sax too, but I would say about 10% as good as Pete,maybe less. He has it and has for 50 plus years. Always good to hear your music Pete.
Wow! You inspire me all over again Pete! This IS what the tenor is supposed to sound like! It's not the horn or set up, it helps, but after all, it is the player.
I am with you about being peeled off the wall, Pete is amazing. I did a workshop in Victoria, BC with him and Wayne Marsh, and boy could they ever play, just two sax's, alto and tenor, no rhythm section, and they played the shit out of those tunes. I think I remember his horn was a Silver Selmer BA or a Mark VI, I can't remeber which. But who says silver is too bright, listen to him man, he is a GOD!! Go Pete!!
He is one of the best ever. Great to see him getting props. Too many people think these smooth jazz guys are the ones to listen to all the while missing out on the players like Christlieb.
My favorite album is his "Jazz City" LP done in 1971 Live in Colorado Springs. Simply amazing. He plays at least a dozen choruses on "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" at a medium fast tempo and never repeats an idea and tells a great story. He is truly a master. He always melts the chord changes....
His Tenor Solo on Steely Dan's Deacon Blues is my favorite moment in the history of recorded music. It gives me the chills each and every time I hear it.
Man, i love pete. I've got a bunch of his solos written down. It's interesting to note that they recorded him in Stereo, so his sound is essentially doubled on the tape. But that doesn't really matter because his sound is so huge by itself that he'll sound amazing on just 1 mic. i'm sure it doesn't hurt that they're probably recording in a great sounding hall, too.
Man, oh man. Gorgeous!! No surprise, though, considering it is the great Pete Christlieb. I became an instant upon hearing his MONSTER tenor work on Louis Bellson's "Quiet Riot" LP (late 70's). Pete is featured throughout, especially on the title track and on a lengthy feature ballad that he absolutely owns when he turns on that huge tenor sound. Pete Christlieb: a tenor God.
I went to NIU while he was attending (I was perc major). He was almost this good even then - and that was like in 1985, so actually you wouldn't have had him on a commercial jazz album until the Phil Collins Big Band Live ('86/'87) album (but, one of the "Mode Show" NIU 1 O'clock Jazz Band albums through the NIU bookstore - either way you got a fucktastic album)
His Final "Jury" was "....he walked into the jury room, brought the judges a "fake book", and asked them to pick for him - their choice, randomly - any song, any key, and that he would play the head, solo on chorus, the head and out - as he didn't feel that the usual jury BS etudes, scales and chords was appropriate to a Jazz Education. He passed his jury....". Needless to say, he could still play the shit out of etudes, scales, and chords.
I got my first LP by Pete Christlieb while in college during the early 80's. Still love your sound and man can you solo like no other!!! When are you coming to Hawaii. It would be a joy and treat to see you perform live. Aloha from the 50th State "Pete".
I've enjoyed the tenor work of Pete Christlieb since first hearing him live with the Bob Florence band over 20 yrs ago. Thanks pyzinha for the great post!
Pete Christlieb is, by far, one of the most talented and expressive people to ever pick up the saxophone. He is truly a living legend.
nwsphto 1 week ago
Mr. Christlieb is one of the Great Tenors. Next to his superb playing in the jazz context is the
fact that his featured Tenor work on the Steely Dan song "FM" (version on Steely Dan Gold)
is undoubtedly one of the finest saxophone performances in the rock&roll canon. The Man is a Master!
49sighs 2 weeks ago
Wonderful, just wonderful!
donsrleone 3 months ago
Pete's one of my heroes! John F. Phillips.
mrjohnphillips 4 months ago
Marvelous Pete !!! My bounce tenor player !!!
Azman1008 11 months ago
You're the best Pete….
bob4247 11 months ago
Fantastic Pete Christlieb !!! One of the greatest but still so underrated ! I don't understand why ! Hey, fans, come on, wake up !!! This man should be a STAR !!!!!!!!!!!!
jmreisser 11 months ago
@jmreisser Pete is a STAR.
bob4247 10 months ago
Absolutely beautiful playing! Love Pete's sound and great tone!!!
Metroanarcisi 11 months ago
Han är så jäkla bra!
jazzuffe 1 year ago
He is one of the greatest!
jazzuffe 1 year ago
Loved it. Thank you for sharing!
maravillo 1 year ago
Beautiful playing and superb sound...How refreshing to find natural acoustics serving the music instead of the usual non-sense soundproofed booths..! What are the microphones? Sanken? Thanks for this musical and sonic gem.
zigorissimo 1 year ago
So besides the fact that this is an awesome video, and that Pete Chritlieb is the freakin man!!! Pete gave this mouthpiece that he uses in this video to my teacher, and my teacher just gave it to me to borrow! Maybe some of his freakin awesomness will rub off on my now! haha
MrPewpyNuts 1 year ago
Superb! that's all I can say.
panajazz 1 year ago
theres a reason not a single person gave this a thumbs down
arrourasanti2 1 year ago
He has such a big, fat sound.
CameronKerl 1 year ago
His tone is a given...it's just good tone, I don't even think about it. When I recorded him he liked a little reverb and being out in front in the mix. That's what he got. I had Pete do 34 choruses of "Feedin' the Bean". LOL. He was great but this is so relaxing and beautiful that I just want to curl up and drift to heaven. Thanks Pete.
user
jbix909
jbix909 1 year ago
What a great tenor player. I'd love to be able to play like that. Wow, he's tall too.
InBy9OutBy5 1 year ago
Nice version exceptional sound, great voice, and extraordinary technique.
BennyMax37 2 years ago
Comment removed
BennyMax37 2 years ago
this is an absolutely gorgeous version of this song---a tune where the lyrics really don't sound great in this day and age but one where the melody played on tenor is just killer, and Pete tears it up here.-from Ken the Jazz Spy in SF
513coltrane 2 years ago
rdangelo it think is incorrect. I am sure that Pete played the wonderful solo on end of FM...
Classic Pete .... Tom Scott is also a giant but that pete cranking it up (building) solo has a place in my heart...... a real fan
dckest2009 2 years ago
Yup, you guys are right. I was thinking of the wrong tune.
rdangelo 2 years ago
i love his sound... does anyone knows what mouthpiece does he uses???
gordondexter67 2 years ago
berg larsen
DanielKo09 2 years ago
As long as I've heard this man play sax and in my own experiences with jazz music I have thought that he is very underrated. I've met Pete several times and he is an awesome guy, very tall, looks younger than he is and acts it too. If I could make a dream band he would be my tenor soloist. I've driven 2-3 hours one way just to hear him play and it was worth it. Love your playing Pete.
TrombonePlayingGiant 2 years ago
If you took every great tenor player that's come down the line and distilled the very best elements of their respective tones into a single auditory phenomenon, you'd begin to understand just what we're dealing with when you talk about Christleib's sound.
No.
Static.
At.
All.
yisacknayrabin 2 years ago
@yisacknayrabin interesting you reference another Steely Dan song (FM) whose tenor solo was actually played by Tom Scott, as far as I know.
rdangelo 2 years ago
Indeed the reference was intentional (glad you caught that!), and I believe Pete played a solo on the extended cut of the track for the movie.
yisacknayrabin 2 years ago
@rdangelo: I just heard FM yesterday, it's definitely Pete Christlieb playing the tenor. He also played on "Deacon Blues". Tom Scott's Steely Dan songs include "Peg", "Gaucho", and "Black Cow".
cdstoc 2 years ago
Know what? You're damn right. maybe I was thinking of Black Cow.
rdangelo 2 years ago
i wants to play my tenor like thats he is an insperation to me :)
Theteamforce 2 years ago
I used to Love seeing the Bellson Big Band in Donte's and sit at a table 5 or 10 feet away (if we got a good seat) from the two tenor players who were Pete and Don Menza. Wow, it just wouldn't quit.
Scottjazz55 2 years ago
THE BEST TENOR SOUND, Ideas, concept and soul.
Pete is a giant on the same level with Hawk, Newk or Turrentine.
TimPriceJazz 2 years ago
As good as the guy who plays on Deacon Blues...
rdangelo 2 years ago
Absolutely correct...
TrombonePlayingGiant 2 years ago
Pete is true giant !!!
jmreisser 2 years ago
Who else can make you smile and cry at the same time?
Thank you, Deacon Blue!
1jazzsoul 2 years ago
Pete is one of greatest tenor players ever. Because he is recording so much, white, not pretentious, not a bullshit artist, he got but a tiny fraction of the attention he deserves. I worked with Stitt at 6, Blue mitchell at 17, Jimmy Smith at 16. I used to hang out at Bob Berg's Mom's place in Brooklyn with Bob. I know tenor players. Pete is the real deal. Bless him. And check out DeJulio... masterful.
laughingtiger123 2 years ago
That is some sexy sax tone dude...geez...I'm all hot and bothered
ronkerbonks 2 years ago
I'm so lucky I found this. Could anything be more beautiful? Pete, this is perfection to my ears. I loved every note!!!
amazmace 2 years ago
Esto es realmente un homenaje al saxofon ....
juliancho67 2 years ago
this guy is my hero, as far as huge fat tenor sounds are concerned. no one sounds like him on a ballad, either. stunning, always.
mulletchuck 2 years ago
i like don menza better
ajaskol 2 years ago
I like your mom better.
eyefreakedyomommafoo 2 years ago
Pete es uno de los más grandes saxos tenores del jazz,desde hace ya muchos años.gran sonido,lírico,y gran fraseo,como saxofonista, lo sigo como ejemplo,desde siempre¡¡yes¡ yes¡¡
mikakury 3 years ago
Fantastic! I had the opportunity to work with Pete at Texas State University, and he was absolutely wonderful!
navymusician822 3 years ago
Just gorgeous!
jazznutz 3 years ago
We have the pleasure of working with this guy throughout the years (and decades). He is blessed with an amazing gift - and, he's the best guy you'd ever want to know. "Pete Christlieb" should have been a household name - among jazz musicians EVERYWHERE! Thanks for posting this beautiful video.
freelance47afm 3 years ago
tone and style reminisant of arnet cobb, lockjaw davis, sort of players fantasticly smooth but still sassy enough to make you sit up and listen
licensedlunatic 3 years ago
He has a great sound and is an absolute groove doctor. I love his solo on Steely Dan's "FM", awesome, you've goota hear it.
Hwywsik 3 years ago
Don't forget to listen to his solo on Steely Dans "Deacon Blues" also
cfny 3 years ago
Pete Christlieb has had so much success playing some of the world's greatest pop sax solos at a time when the music was really happenin' that he should care less what any of us "wannabe's" pontificate about him. He has proven himself time and time again & it is documented. I personally think it is so cool how he is one of the few saxists who isn't afraid to be schmaltzy. He is the KING! Thanks for the inspiration Pete!
youbiedoobiedoo 3 years ago
And one more thing. I just have to say that I cherish the solos Pete played and I internalized as a teenager of the Louis Bellson Explosion album w/Cat Anderson and Don Menza etc... You are such as gas! Just my 2 cents.
youbiedoobiedoo 3 years ago
I hear ya! I wore those albums out and then bought anything I saw with Pete's name on it. He by far is the predominant artist on my Ipod and I never tire of the old or the new. I just added his live album from Vegas with Andy Martin. Just love it.
busboy4 3 years ago
Petes sound is huge .He is the only horn player in the top bands in LA that really dosnt need to have a microphone to be heard.That When you know someone actually has a tone.
Glockyia 3 years ago
Is that a re-plated SBA? It looks like it.
DrewDawg50 3 years ago
Not sure, but last time I saw him live at Charlie O's (March '08) he was playing a Cannonball that they were developing as a "signature" horn. He showed me his name engraved on it. Lovely Man. Lovely player.
busboy4 3 years ago
The first time i heard Pete was on an album with Louie Bellson from 1966 playing 'I Remember Bird'.I've always loved his distinctive tone & style,he must be one of the best ballad players around.TFP
TFP
mikebuddy1 3 years ago 2
Unfortunately, he doesn't enough, but he plays bebop better than anyone I've heard.
themacintrasher 3 years ago
Just beautiful Tenor playing. Pete is new to me. Sure glad I heard and saw this.
musicalala 3 years ago 2
Los Angeles has many gifted musicians, and Pete is in the pantheon of saxmen.
I have had the pleasure of seeing him at Donte's, Dino's, Henry's Back Room, and Charlie O's.
Love to all Robert F.
bflattenorsax 3 years ago
Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
deltadog7 3 years ago
This is great playing by a true musician. Your tone is superb!
ulrichhoebler 3 years ago 8
Pete, you are an elegant and awesome tenor player. Thanks for sitting in with me (on my old 1926 Buescher Aristocrat alto) in Kansas City this weekend. You are the greatest!
lpsling 4 years ago 5
Pete is the best. So smooth. I have watched him in amazement since I was in high school and he was in his senior year at Venice High.I played sax too, but I would say about 10% as good as Pete,maybe less. He has it and has for 50 plus years. Always good to hear your music Pete.
rte66vet 4 years ago
Wow! You inspire me all over again Pete! This IS what the tenor is supposed to sound like! It's not the horn or set up, it helps, but after all, it is the player.
saxophonedave 4 years ago 2
I am with you about being peeled off the wall, Pete is amazing. I did a workshop in Victoria, BC with him and Wayne Marsh, and boy could they ever play, just two sax's, alto and tenor, no rhythm section, and they played the shit out of those tunes. I think I remember his horn was a Silver Selmer BA or a Mark VI, I can't remeber which. But who says silver is too bright, listen to him man, he is a GOD!! Go Pete!!
saxophonedave 4 years ago
He has a awesome fat and deep sound. What is his Mouthpiece?
pooppoopishy 4 years ago
It's not the mouthpiece, it's the guy... But to answer your question I'd say it looks like a Berg.
grrrroink 4 years ago
Berg Dukbill 130/0 with rico plasticover 2s
themacintrasher 3 years ago
Man just beautifull!
GREAt tone,,love it!So smoothhhhhhhhhhhh
Is that a Balance A...?
Thanks for sharing this fantastic take!
My regards,
Mario
Saxobari 4 years ago
Its a balanced action, no "S" on the neck like a Mk VI
themacintrasher 3 years ago
that s really high.
mimmorenzi 4 years ago
He is one of the best ever. Great to see him getting props. Too many people think these smooth jazz guys are the ones to listen to all the while missing out on the players like Christlieb.
playitfunky 4 years ago
My favorite album is his "Jazz City" LP done in 1971 Live in Colorado Springs. Simply amazing. He plays at least a dozen choruses on "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" at a medium fast tempo and never repeats an idea and tells a great story. He is truly a master. He always melts the chord changes....
jonburling 4 years ago
His Tenor Solo on Steely Dan's Deacon Blues is my favorite moment in the history of recorded music. It gives me the chills each and every time I hear it.
gluttalcatch 4 years ago
I have seen pete play for about 30 years and he still sounds a good a ever. He sound is like butter
ddruc40 4 years ago
He's playing with my school jazz band in a few days for a festival! He is amazing!
psychoforeverr 4 years ago
Man, i love pete. I've got a bunch of his solos written down. It's interesting to note that they recorded him in Stereo, so his sound is essentially doubled on the tape. But that doesn't really matter because his sound is so huge by itself that he'll sound amazing on just 1 mic. i'm sure it doesn't hurt that they're probably recording in a great sounding hall, too.
mulletchuck 4 years ago
that my friends is how to play a tenor ,what a large awsome sound
hitmanisback 4 years ago
Man, oh man. Gorgeous!! No surprise, though, considering it is the great Pete Christlieb. I became an instant upon hearing his MONSTER tenor work on Louis Bellson's "Quiet Riot" LP (late 70's). Pete is featured throughout, especially on the title track and on a lengthy feature ballad that he absolutely owns when he turns on that huge tenor sound. Pete Christlieb: a tenor God.
ThoughtThief01 4 years ago
oops. meant to say, I became an instant "fan"
ThoughtThief01 4 years ago
I went to NIU while he was attending (I was perc major). He was almost this good even then - and that was like in 1985, so actually you wouldn't have had him on a commercial jazz album until the Phil Collins Big Band Live ('86/'87) album (but, one of the "Mode Show" NIU 1 O'clock Jazz Band albums through the NIU bookstore - either way you got a fucktastic album)
flatbouy 4 years ago
His Final "Jury" was "....he walked into the jury room, brought the judges a "fake book", and asked them to pick for him - their choice, randomly - any song, any key, and that he would play the head, solo on chorus, the head and out - as he didn't feel that the usual jury BS etudes, scales and chords was appropriate to a Jazz Education. He passed his jury....". Needless to say, he could still play the shit out of etudes, scales, and chords.
flatbouy 4 years ago
I got my first LP by Pete Christlieb while in college during the early 80's. Still love your sound and man can you solo like no other!!! When are you coming to Hawaii. It would be a joy and treat to see you perform live. Aloha from the 50th State "Pete".
jazzesax 4 years ago
so underappreciated, clearly one of the tenors most deserving of wider recognition (along with Plas Johnson, in my opinion).
geminipa 4 years ago
Pete can compose a solo as good as anyone... I heard him play Speak Low at a club jam session once and talk about playing a tenor the right way!
eye2sea 4 years ago
It's like Pete didn't want it to end. Neither did I. But Beautiful indeed. No buts about it.
mikethesax 4 years ago
OH SHIT. That is so fucking BEAUTIFUL! I'm so blown away, I need someone to peel me off the wall! Pete Christlieb is the Boss.
osianox 4 years ago
THIS is what the fucking tenor is supposed to sound like.
saxoclar 4 years ago
I've enjoyed the tenor work of Pete Christlieb since first hearing him live with the Bob Florence band over 20 yrs ago. Thanks pyzinha for the great post!
trombonechops 4 years ago
One of my favorite tenor players...
CooolJazzz 4 years ago