and the flow of pure alto saxenergy |
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"One would not suspect this "life force" underneath the gentle and eased renditions of jazz standards
most of us have been introduced to years ago. Well here it shows, the magic of Lee Konitz accidentally visible to the
eye while usually smooth and swift under the skin when we listen to the sound of his faithful narrative saxophone.
The skill of virtuosity doesn't necessarily need to be established loud or taking ever renewing turns in rhythm or melody. Unlike some of Lee Konitz' s contemporary adepts of jazz, he did not experiment to extremes or felt compelled to find or cross any boundaries but his own. Lee Konitz recognized his merit, took it to heart and is now one of the few if not very few living legends we have among us." |
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Lee Konitz, accompanied by Werner Lauscher on double bass and Geert Roelofs on drums had his audience captive from beginning to end. As the
evening slowly strolled onto the clock of a nocturnal noon, mr. Lee Konitz grew into an enigmatic alliance with the two young and talented
musicians who followed his lead or managed to take him by surprise. One could see people close their eyes, have smiles on their faces as if they'd
wear them forever and nod their heads when recognizing the songs Lee Konitz presented in his ever poised manner. Humor then took the upper hand as the audience was invited to hum along to the chorus of Bye Bye Blackbird. Lee Konitz enjoyed his role as master of the Carnaval du Jazz universe and had the crowd laugh out loud when he added a few silly dancesteps, indulging in some snappy comments to mark this moment of endearing fun. When i asked him about it, he said it was nice to have a little bit of karaoke. His glittering eyes gave away this man's subtile sense of humor. Lee Konitz lives in New York, Cologne and now also spends some time living in Poland. Wondering what attracted him in the city of Cologne, this question had mr. Konitz paused, seemingly deliberating the answer. One just had to be there to hear him say "my wife", for these two words and the look on his face beheld the same kind of sense he showed during his lifetime career and music and what is still present today as his audience will vouch for willingly. Carnaval du Jazz, September 17th, 2001 |
Geert Roelofs *** Lee Konitz *** Werner Lauscher
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© Gina Vodegel, Maastricht 21 september 2001