Alto saxophonist Lee Konitz (1927-2020) was a brilliant musician, and also an original and witty person. I first met him in 1979, and over the following years we performed together and spoke on a number of occasions. I’ll post my memories of him another time.
What a treat! I've loved Lee's music since my college days (60 years ago). I first heard his work with Kenton, then discovered Birth of the Cool, then his own LPs. There are nice sessions with Bill Evans, Barry Harris, Mulligan. And of course with Warne Marsh. A sound engineer friend sent me a nice private recording with Barry in the Seattle area. I most enjoyed Lee live and those collaborations; last time was at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz, a year or two before COVID. He was touring with a wonderful European rhythm section, and clearly loved the fire they were building for him.
Thanks for info on the Russo strings set. I'm listening on youtube now. Very nice! This was in the early days of stereo by the major labels. I'd like the sound stage a lot more if the strings were miked by a spaced pair to put some space and room in them, like some of the hipper engineers (Al Schmitt was one) learned to do in later years.
Another great interview, Lee sounded like an amazing guy as well as being a wonderful alto player. I know him best with Tristano. Now I'm going to listen to Birth Of the Cool, haven't heard it in years.
I enjoined your conversation with Lee and your Grad. students. Lee was here at the University of Toronto many years ago. He gave an inspiring clinic on his concepts.
Say hello to Ralph Bowan for me and thanks for all of your work in this field.
Nice! Here in Portland we're pretty proud of the fact that Lee stopped by KBOO and gave one of the funniest interviews I ever heard in my life. They ended with an Acapulco version of Body and soul. Best advice? Practice away from your instrument. 🤔 I always wanted to go to Acapulco.
Yes rapport is the note I was going for. My one 👍 typing confuses me too. Celebrating Don's birthday today by listening to him play with Niehaus Kamuca Cooper Perkins etc. Don was a hell of a good 🥁. Played music rather than 🥁
That was a brilliant conversation, some great questions. Thanks for posting this. I love hearing musicians talking about music.
All the best,
Richard
I mainly know Konitz for his work with Miles Davis in the "Birth of the Cool" era, but clearly there's more that needs to be discovered about him.
Wow. Lots to discover.
What a treat! I've loved Lee's music since my college days (60 years ago). I first heard his work with Kenton, then discovered Birth of the Cool, then his own LPs. There are nice sessions with Bill Evans, Barry Harris, Mulligan. And of course with Warne Marsh. A sound engineer friend sent me a nice private recording with Barry in the Seattle area. I most enjoyed Lee live and those collaborations; last time was at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz, a year or two before COVID. He was touring with a wonderful European rhythm section, and clearly loved the fire they were building for him.
Thanks for info on the Russo strings set. I'm listening on youtube now. Very nice! This was in the early days of stereo by the major labels. I'd like the sound stage a lot more if the strings were miked by a spaced pair to put some space and room in them, like some of the hipper engineers (Al Schmitt was one) learned to do in later years.
Another great interview, Lee sounded like an amazing guy as well as being a wonderful alto player. I know him best with Tristano. Now I'm going to listen to Birth Of the Cool, haven't heard it in years.
I enjoined your conversation with Lee and your Grad. students. Lee was here at the University of Toronto many years ago. He gave an inspiring clinic on his concepts.
Say hello to Ralph Bowan for me and thanks for all of your work in this field.
Nice! Here in Portland we're pretty proud of the fact that Lee stopped by KBOO and gave one of the funniest interviews I ever heard in my life. They ended with an Acapulco version of Body and soul. Best advice? Practice away from your instrument. 🤔 I always wanted to go to Acapulco.
The repertoire between you too guys is great. Lee Konitz! Getting set to put MOTION on right now. Thanks Lewis
Yes rapport is the note I was going for. My one 👍 typing confuses me too. Celebrating Don's birthday today by listening to him play with Niehaus Kamuca Cooper Perkins etc. Don was a hell of a good 🥁. Played music rather than 🥁