Lee Konitz: The Lee Konitz Duets (RRC)
Purchased at Jerry's Records
There were two inspirations for keeping this audio diary: Mike Shanley's blog, and Gino Robair's Facebook group, What's On Gino's Turntable?
In the case of the latter, he was unapologetic about that it was just about him. He didn't want to know what was on your turntable, he was only talking about what was on his. I don't think he's continued the group for at least a year, but whatever he put on the turntable was interesting.
As for the former, it's a more serious forum for album and concert reviews. Mike recently wrote a review of the Wold Eyes X Anthony Braxton, a disc I wrote about here myself. His take was far more in depth, analytical In my case, I wrote about myself in addition to commenting on the disc.
I won't apologize for that, this forum is what it is. I only recognize that one of us is more serious in his writing.
So more about me!
This was a record I discovered in the WRCT library back in my college radio days, and spin it a few times. I specifically remember playing the Lester Young tune "Tickle Toe", which finds Lee on tenor playing against Richie Kamuca, also on tenor. I know Lee mostly for playing alto, but I'm no expert on his discography.
I run a bit hot and cold regarding Lee. Don't expect a passionate squonkfest when he plays, he's far too reserved for that. But damn, I wish he would play bolder now and then. He's practically the epitome of "cool". There's a Kenny Wheeler CD on ECM, a quartet with Lee, Dave Holland, and Bill Frisell titled Angel Song. It's clearly meant to be a low-key session, sweet, chamber music-ish. It's beautiful, and Lee is an entirely appropriate person for the session.
When I was an undergraduate at Duquesne University, the jazz studies program brought in Lee Konitz for a short residency. I heard many complaints from fellow students: "Why not bring in Michael Brecker instead?" and similar questions. I found it disrespectful. Dr. John Wilson, like Lee, was a protege of Lennie Tristano, so Doc and Lee had a connection spanning decades.
I was taking Dr. Wilson's History of Jazz 1 Course at the time. Lee spoke to the group about Anthony Braxton. "Well I think Anthony Braxton is full of shit!" said Doc. Lee neither agreed or disagreed. According to Lee, he was hanging out in the early 70s at Chick Corea's loft, playing with him and Dave Holland and Barry Altschul. Anthony was also hanging around. He said the trio of Corea/Holland/Altschul wanted to go in a more modern direction. They went with Anthony and formed Circle, leaving Lee in the dust I suppose. Assuming all of this is accurate.
Lee had another anecdote about Anthony. He said that several times over, when Anthony Braxton said hello to him, he sang a particular phrase. Lee asked, "What is that?" Anthony: "It's part of a chorus you played." Lee wondered which. Doc retorted, "Yeah, now ask HIM to play it."
Lee gave private lessons to saxophone students that week, and I'm told was not at all kind to anyone. I didn't dare.
Lee looked red- and puffy-faced that week. I don't think he was in good health at the time. Yet, somehow he lasted into the most recent decade and it was COVID that did him in.
In my conversations with Anthony Braxton (a genuine raconteur), he told me that Lee Konitz had become "toughy-tough" (his exact words) with him after he won the MacArthur.
The album. I like this project, but I think I would have preferred a total commitment to the theme. "Struttin' With Some Barbecue" ends with overdubbed saxophone and euphonium, for example.
Of all the tracks, the freest would seem to be "Duplexity" with Ellington trumpet (or in this case) violinist Ray Nance. It's the only track credited to both players. It's also the single longest performance on ths album. Here's where I say, more!
The album ends with Marshall Brown's "Alphanumeric" with all players except Ray Nance. I completely understand ending the album this way, but personally I would have stuck to the theme. There's an inherent challenge to playing duet-style, but also an openness that is undeniable. I say embrace it.
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