Lee
Konitz
Lee Konitz played with Miles Davis
in the late 1940’s, appearing on his
1949 “Birth of the Cool” recording.
From Chicago, his elegant and
impressionistic alto saxophone
solos were first heard with Claude
Thornhill’s Orchestra, a progenitor
of the cool sound. Studying with
pianist / composer Lennie Tristano
was a prime influence on Konitz’s
free jazz explorations. In an era
where Charlie Parker dominated
the landscape stylistically, Konitz
was one of the few saxophonists
of the period who developed a
truly individual approach to the instrument. Subsequent to his work
with Miles, Konitz joined Stan Kenton’s Orchestra from 1952–1954.
He has since earned literally hundreds of recording credits as a
sideman, accompanying artists such as Bill Frisell, Dave Brubeck,
Charles Mingus, Manhattan Transfer and Gil Evans during his
distinguished career. Never one to rest on his considerable laurels,
he has also released dozens of CD’s as a leader and consolidated
his
reputation as a talent of inimitable style. His 1967 “Duets” recording
on the Milestone label, featuring unusual combinations of instruments
performing jazz from various subgenres including Dixieland, bop and
free exploration, is one of the highlights of his discography. Konitz
was
awarded the prestigious Jazzpar prize in 1992 (given to internationally
known and fully active jazz artists who are specially deserving of
further acclaim). In 2000, he took a foray into French classical music,
releasing a CD of material from the Impressionist era by composers
including Ravel, Debussy and Satie, accompanied by strings. Lee
currently divides his time between New York, Poland and Germany
and was recently fêted in New York at Carnegie Hall for his 80th
birthday. Konitz fi nds particular inspiration in playing with different
musicians in new situations, and this concert will feature a variety
of
groupings and special guests.
To read a feature profile of Lee written by Andy Gilbert for the San Jose Mercury News, click here for our "Media Archives" page. |
