Pete Christlieb


Pete Christlieb is a jazz bebop, West Coast jazz and hard bop tenor saxophonist.

Biography

Christlieb was born in Los Angeles, California and is the son of bassoonist Don Christlieb. Christlieb has worked with many musicians, such as Louie Bellson, Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Tom Waits, Steely Dan, Warne Marsh, Doc Severinsen, The Tonight Show Band, Bob Florence, Frank Mantooth, Gary Urwin, Phil Kelly, and Bill Holman.
Christlieb played the sax solos on Steely Dan's hit song "Deacon Blues" from the album Aja; Natalie Cole's Grammy award-winning album Unforgettable; and the extended tenor sax solo on the song "FM " from the movie of the same name.
Christlieb currently plays with his recently formed 11-piece group, the "Tall & Small Band"; the Bill Holman Orchestra; and his own quartet. Also, for years Pete has been involved in professional drag racing, with his cars participating in numerous races in the southwest and across the country. His team has won two national championships for the 'Blown Alcohol Dragster' class.

Equipment

Saxophone

Based on left hand pinky table mounting construction, on tenor probably a refinished Selmer "Super Action," aka "Super Balanced Action." If bell key guard is original, it would make it a later series "SBA."

Mouthpiece & Reeds

Christlieb plays a vintage Berg Larsen metal mouthpiece with Rico reeds.

Discography

As leader or co-leader

With Doc Severinsen
With Louie Bellson
With Wayne Bergeron
With Bobby Caldwell
With Frank Capp
With Rosemary Clooney
With Natalie Cole
With Bob Florence
With Bill Holman
With Quincy Jones
With Phil Kelly & The Northwest Prevailing Winds
With Seth MacFarlane
With The Manhattan Transfer
With Frank Mantooth
With Diane Schuur
With Tom Scott
With Keely Smith
With Gary Urwin Jazz Orchestra
With Tom Waits
With Anthony Wilson