Episode 19:
Pete Christlieb is a legendary saxophonist whose powerful sound and fearless improvisation continue to shape both jazz and commercial music. He rose to international prominence as a longtime featured soloist with the Doc Severinsen–led Tonight Show Band, where his commanding tenor voice and electrifying presence became instantly recognizable. Christlieb’s recording legacy includes some of the most iconic saxophone moments in popular music, including his lyrical solo on “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan and his elegant playing on “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole. Equally respected in the jazz world for his collaborations with Warne Marsh and Chet Baker, Christlieb continues to perform and inspire, embodying a rare blend of virtuosity, soul, and authenticity that resonates across generations.
►about Pete Christlieb: https://petechristlieb.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
►Key Moments:
0:00 - Introductions
1:47: Drag racing, Valley College (Los Angeles), First road gig with Si Zentner
6:00: The art of playing dance music
9:01: Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Ray Brown…
16:50: Las Vegas, Jerry Gray, Tex Beneke, Peggy Lee, Lou Levy
26:00: Cannonball Adderley
30:30: Louie Bellson, Woody Herman
31:50: Tom Scott, Glenn Campbell Show, and Marty Paich…
34:24: “Play horn, get check”
41:20: Snooky Young, The Tonight Show…, and Steely Dan
44:45: “Deacon’s Blues”
51:13: Warne Marsh collaboration
1:00: Violin to saxophone…
1:05:35: Saxophone sounds…Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt…
1:13:35: The pinnacle is the next gig, payola, and back to the Warne Marsh collaboration, back to Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show…
1:26:00 New chapter of life in Washington
1:28:00 Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Michael Brecker, and woodwind doubling…
1:37:00 Closing graitude
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►Credits
Host and Producer: John Daversa
Video Capture: Yang Yang
Audio Capture: Yang Yang
Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman
Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, November 18, 2024
►Credits
Host and Producer: John Daversa
Video: Max Nierlich
Audio: Dudley Merriam
Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design
Recorded in Miami, FL
►Music
"The John Daversa Podcast"
"Moonlight Muse"
"Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
