description Pete Christlieb Overview
Pete Christlieb is an American jazz tenor saxophonist born in 1945, recognized for his robust tone and mainstream jazz improvisations. He is most widely known for his two-decade tenure as a featured musician in Doc Severinsen's NBC Tonight Show Band. Beyond his television work, Christlieb contributed to numerous studio recordings, most notably performing the featured tenor saxophone solo on Steely Dan's 1977 jazz-rock track "Deacon Blues." He has also led his own ensembles, such as the Pete Christlieb Eleven.
help Pete Christlieb FAQ
Did Pete Christlieb play the famous sax solo on Steely Dan's 'Deacon Blues'?
Yes. Christlieb played the celebrated tenor saxophone solo on 'Deacon Blues,' from Steely Dan's 1977 album Aja. It remains one of the most renowned recorded solos of his career, even though he was a hired session player for the date.
How long was Pete Christlieb in Doc Severinsen's Tonight Show Band?
He spent roughly two decades as a featured tenor saxophonist in Doc Severinsen's NBC Tonight Show Band, from the 1970s into the early 1990s. Millions of viewers heard his robust tone nightly without ever knowing his name.
Who did Pete Christlieb play with before joining the Tonight Show Band?
Early in his career he toured with Woody Herman's big band in the late 1960s, followed by stints with other large ensembles such as Louie Bellson's group. That big-band background shaped the mainstream, full-toned approach he became known for.
Is Pete Christlieb still active as a performer?
Yes, he has long been a fixture of the Los Angeles jazz scene and continues to lead groups, including the Tall & Small big band he co-leads. He has also recorded a string of albums as a leader alongside his decades of session and television work.
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