Christlieb was born in Los Angeles, California, United States,[1] and is the son of bassoonist Donald Orville Christlieb, and Pearl Gold,[2] Christlieb has worked with many musicians, such as Louie Bellson, Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Tom Waits, Steely Dan, Warne Marsh, Vince Guaraldi, Quincy Jones, Doc Severinsen, The Tonight Show Band, Bob Florence, Frank Mantooth, Gary Urwin, Phil Kelly, and Bill Holman.

[3] Christlieb played the sax solo on Steely Dan's hit song "Deacon Blues" by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen from the album Aja, nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in the 20th annual Grammies.

"[4]Christlieb also played on Natalie Cole's Grammy award-winning album Unforgettable; and the extended tenor sax solo on the song "FM (No Static at All)" 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.

[5] 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 Vince Guaraldi 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