Well what do you know? I've received three new Lee Konitz records in the last month or so. Of course, two of the discs are re-issues and the "new" one was recorded in 1997, but they're all back in circulation and it's time to say a few nice things about Lee Konitz. A prolific alto saxophone player who has been recording and performing for more than fifty years, Konitz first emerged with the Claude Thornhill Orchestra before gaining a reputation as a cool, intellectual player with the Lennie Tristano group in 1949. An important contributor to Miles Davis' "Birth Of The Cool" band, Konitz was obviously a talent to watch from the very beginning. He also paid his dues with the Stan Kenton Orchestra before striking out on his own.
But about these new CDs. "The Real Lee Konitz" (32 Jazz) was recorded live in Pittsburgh on February 15, 1957. Accompanied by Tristano-mates Billy Bauer on guitar and Peter Ind on bass as well as drummer Dick Scott and trumpeter Don Ferrara, Konitz is an articulate soloist and an empathic band member who listens well and knows when to lay out. Performing then-contemporary tunes like "My Melancholy Baby" and "You Go To My Head," Konitz plays in a particularly clean fashion without sacrificing any emotion. This disc would be a great introduction to Lee Konitz if you have never heard his music. Next up is "Spirits,"(on Milestone) a duet/quartet album with the Lennie Tristano-inspired pianist Sal Mosca accompanying Konitz on half the cuts. With the rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Mousey Alexander sitting in on the rest of the selections, this album was a particularly strong tribute to the blind, avant-bop pianist Lennie Tristano. Clearly, Konitz's dept and affection for Tristano endured well beyond his tenure with Lennie's band.
Fast forward to 1999 and the release of "Another Shade of Blue" (on Blue Note). This disc is a superior sequel to Lee Konitz's "Alone Together" album and is taken from the same performance date at the Jazz Bakery in 1997. Both of these recordings feature the veteran altoist playing with bassist Charlie Haden and pianist Brad Melldau. All gifted musicians with the capacity for intuitive nuance and spirited interplay, these men shine on their respective instruments both individually and collectively. With more five decades of experience behind him, Konitz is a peerless balladeer with a penchant for cool jazz, angular bebop, and adventurous improvisation. Embracing standards like "Body And Soul" and "What's New" as well as an original Konitz composition and a group piece entitled "All Of Us," the trio stretches each tune beyond the ten minute mark with marvelous results.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.