Lee Konitz

United States

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Sound in a sentence: "An airy yet intricate tapestry unfolds with each note, characterized by delicate pacing and a deliberate interplay between melody and silence."

Lee Konitz matters because his presence in the jazz landscape has redefined the role of the improvising musician, emphasizing a more cerebral and introspective approach to the genre.

Lee Konitz matters because his presence in the jazz landscape has redefined the role of the improvising musician, emphasizing a more cerebral and introspective approach to the genre. Through his distinctive sound on the alto saxophone, he has influenced generations of musicians to prioritize individual expression over mere technical prowess, creating a lasting impact on both players and listeners alike. Konitz's innovation lies in his ability to intertwine cool jazz sensibilities with an avant-garde touch, often exploring melodies that are intricate yet spacious. His process is marked by a conversational style of improvisation, where spontaneity meets deep musical intuition, allowing him to navigate through complex harmonic frameworks with ease. This approach invites listeners into a dialogue rather than a performance, creating an immersive experience that feels both personal and expansive. Lyrically unbound by traditional structures, Konitz often channels themes of introspection and emotional depth through his instrumental storytelling. His tone oscillates between reflective and playful, effortlessly weaving together strands of irony and sincerity. Each phrase carries a weight that leaves room for interpretation, inviting audiences to find their own meanings within the music’s subtle nuances.

Lee Konitz

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Discography

Albums ()

First Meeting – Live in London Volume 1

Standards Live – At the Village Vanguard

Costumes Are Mandatory

Live in Genoa 1981

Live at Birdland

Duos with Lee

Ashiya

Live in Oslo

Organic-Lee

Pride

Dig-It

Sound of Surprise

Another Shade of Blue

Star Eyes, Hamburg 1983

RichLee!

Alone Together

Dearly Beloved

Thingin

It's You

Steps Towards a Dream

Live at the Half Note

Lullaby of Birdland

Jazz Nocturne

Lunasea

Zounds

Blew

Solitudes

Art of the Duo

The New York Album

Ideal Scene

Glad, Koonix! – Lee Konitz Live in Sweden

Dovetail

Live at the Berlin Jazz Days 1980

Toot Sweet

Seasons Change

Four Keys

Yes, Yes, Nonet

Duplicity

Tenorlee

Lee Konitz Meets Warne Marsh Again

Pyramid

Figure & Spirit

The Lee Konitz Quintet

Windows

Chicago 'n All That Jazz

Oleo

Lone-Lee

Satori

Spirits

Peacemeal

European Episode

Impressive Rome

Alto Summit

The Lee Konitz Duets

Stereokonitz

Motion

You and Lee

Lee Konitz Meets Jimmy Giuffre

An Image: Lee Konitz with Strings

Lee Konitz Plays with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet

Very Cool

The Real Lee Konitz

Inside Hi-Fi

Lee Konitz with Warne Marsh

Subconscious-Lee

Jazz at Storyville

Konitz

Lee Konitz in Harvard Square

Lee Konitz Plays

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