Lee Konitz – Solos, The Jazz Sessions (2010)
Studio: MVD 49650
Video: 16×9 color
Audio: PCM stereo
Language: English
All regions
Length: 50 minutes
Rating: ****
Lee Konitz has been an influential jazz artist for over 50 years. This accomplished alto saxophonist has collaborated with legends such as Miles Davis, Charlie Mingus, Stan Kenton, Bill Evans and Gerry Mulligan to name but a few. Konitz’s skill at improvisation has elevated the idiom of Modern Jazz, as it ushered in the groundbreaking “cool” genre.
In Solos – The Jazz Sessions, a 39-part music performance series, musicians are given a rare opportunity to perform entire pieces of improvisation. Filmed in lush HDTV for Canadian TV with a variety of camera angles, the viewer is able to watch an accomplished musician create art in a personal and intimate setting. Konitz interprets six tunes, including Ray Noble’s big band classic, Cherokee, as well as an interesting turn at Bob Haggert’s beautiful standard, What’s New. Each piece allows you to watch the improvisation build and change shape and texture. The sound of the DVD is equally superior as every note, vocal scat, trill and saxophone key clicking is presented with clarity.
Konitz, in an interview session, shares how improvisation has served to improve his overall mastery of music, and briefly reflects on his friend and collaborator, Charlie Parker. While enthusiastic about playing, there is a curious restraint in the taciturn narrative about his exciting musical history.
Lee Konitz , now in his 80s, continues in the tradition of Eubie Blake, Sonny Rollins and Dave Brubeck performing vital and formative music with enduring resolution. [Some viewers may feel this short session is a bit dry since it’s restricted to just Konitz and his sax, with no rhythm section…Ed.]
TrackList:
Thinking, Improvisation #1, Kary’s Trance, What’s New, The Rebirth of Cool, Improvisation #2, Subconscious
— Robbie Gerson
