Lee Konitz has been a constant explorer throughout most of his career, never satisfied with a standard approach or falling into a rut with a particular instrumentation. This 1974 duo session with bassist Red Mitchell, which focuses exclusively on the works of Cole Porter, is one great example. With an inventive accompanist like Mitchell spurring him on, the alto saxophonist is able to work magical variations of the familiar Porter works, while Konitz retains his remarkable dry signature tone. "Easy to Love" has a bit of a bittersweet air in his hands, as does the more deliberate "Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye." Mitchell is a bit more subdued in the hip treatment of "'You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," as Konitz’s intricate improvisation works its magic. The usually over the top "Love for Sale" features an understated arrangement here. Mitchell switches to piano for "Night and Day," playing a soft bop line behind the leader. Three alternate takes were added for the 1987 CD reissue of this 1974 session, which will have great appeal to fans of Lee Konitz. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. Just One of Those Things
02. Just One of Those Things
03. Easy to Love
04. It’s All Right with Me
05. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye
06. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye
07. You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To
08. Love for Sale
09. In the Stll of the Night
10. Night and Day
11. Night and Day
12. I Love You
13. I Love Paris
14. I Concentrate on You
LEE KONITZ alto saxophone
RED MITCHELL bass, piano
Music composed by Cole Porter
Recorded July 30, 1974 Rosenberg Studio
SteepleChase SCCD - 31018