Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 07/09/1998
Run Time: 71:50
Lee Konitz is one of a few alto saxophonists in
jazz who avoided succumbing to copying
Charlie Parker's approach, instead developing a dry, very lyrical style and an adventurous
spirit in his musical instruments that rivals almost any other instrumentalist of his era. Matching him with the superb pianist
Don Friedman was an inspired decision, as the two men soar in their musical explorations together, along with bassist
Tsutomu Okada and drummer
Jeff Williams. Their reworking of
Dave Brubeck's
"In Your Own Sweet Way" finds them moving further away from its famous theme (compared to its composer's performances) in a lengthy, but never dull interpretation.
Konitz plays soprano sax on several tracks, including the drummer's driving
"Huntington Street" and the leader's tricky
"Lew 'N' Shu." Beautifully recorded in front of a respectful audience, this Japanese release is worth acquiring.
~Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
;)
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