David Liebman's artistic growth has always been intrinsically linked to maintaining a working group in order to frame each particular stage of his musical evolution. Liebman grew up musically in the 1960s, when groups led by Miles Davis and John Coltrane were his inspiration for playing jazz. Since those memorable days, Lieb understood that he had to have his own group, at all times. When he apprenticed with Miles and Elvin in the 70s, personnel remained relatively constant. Nowadays, this is not the case, except for a few well known artists who have the political and financial capability necessary to keep a group working. But no matter what the obstacles, David Liebman has continued to pursue his goal of keeping together a working group, as it is a necessary component of his musical life.

The succession of groups Liebman has led or co-led have all been documented. His first was the Open Sky Trio with the protean drummer Bob Moses. Next came Lookout Farm. Then the Dave Liebman Quintet, which introduced the young guitarist John Scofield. After the Quintet came Quest with pianist Richie Beirach. In '91 he formed the Dave Liebman Group. Each band had its own music but in general reflected various aspects of Lieb's eclectic interests. A child of the 60s, an era rich in musical diversity, Liebman's tastes range from classical to rock, from jazz to ethnic. (Refer to feature article entitled "Tuning Into My Music"). His present group serves as a vehicle for even more of his varied interests. Each group member brings a wide range of talent, enabling the music to move in many different directions. Their many recordings demonstrate the quartet's eclectic approach. As of 2002 the present group features Vic Juris, Tony Marino, and Marko Marcinko with Liebman. For more on the various Liebman groups throughout the years see the chronology page.

Besides several educational play-along projects, the group (along with keyboards on several CDs) has recorded a wide variety of styles on several different labels. They range from the electric oriented "Turn It Around"(EMI); a look at the Miles Davis repertoire on "Miles Away"(EMI); the very eclectic "Voyage"(Evidence); the acoustical and programmatic "Songs For My Daughter"(Soul Note); a live rendition of John Coltrane’s "Meditations Suite" and the Brazilian-tinged "New Vista"(both on Arkadia) and a set of standards "Return of the Tenor"(Double Time); a look at lesser known Jobim compositions on “The Unknown Jobim”(Global Music Network) while “A Walk in the Clouds” (Arkadia) features Lieb’s unusual arrangements of Puccini arias and includes several guests, among them Phil Woods. The most recent recording, Conversation (Sunnyside - 2003) reflects the groups continued evolution featuring newest addition, Mark Marcinko, playing a repertoire including odd-meter vamps, lyrical compositions, and free jazz elements. Caris Visentin is featured on several tunes playing Oboe and English Horn.