Lee Konitz is up to his old tricks on this engaging studio session made for the Japanese label DIW, coming up with intriguing melodies to familiar chord changes from various standards and additional compositions. Without a piano to restrain his musical adventures, the alto saxophonist is consistently inventive throughout the date, well assisted by bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Joey Baron. Sometimes the detective work is elementary, such as "A Noble Tune," which any jazz fan should recognize as being inspired by "Cherokee," while other tracks may prove to challenge the keenest ears. In any case, this incredible musician, who learned from the brilliant though difficult Lennie Tristano, continues to be one of the most distinctive sounding alto saxophonists in jazz. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. Lennie's Pennies (Lennie Tristano)
02. Fifth Avenue (Lee Konitz)
03. For Atilla (Lee Konitz)
04. A Noble Tune (Lee Konitz)
05. Tripletting (Lee Konitz)
06. Folktune (Lee Konitz)
07. Valeska (Lee Konti)
08. Sound-Lee (Lee Konitz)
09. Rumblin' (Lee Konitz)
10. Debussy (Lee Konitz)
11. L.T. (Lee Konitz)
LEE KONITZ alto saxophone
GREG COHEN bass
JOEY BARON drums
Recorded at the Studio, NYC on March 10, 2000
DIW records DIW - 939 Japan