Search - Lee Konitz, Alan Broadbent :: Live-Lee

Live-Lee

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 11/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Approximately 65 minutes,recorded and mixed by Phil Edwards. Lee Konitz is mostly known for playing in Miles Davis'"Birth of the Cool" period(and album)and with Stan Kenton's band. Alan Broadbent,besides being known for his piano work,is an arranger of some merit. This live recording brings together two artists who compliment each other very well. This music is for listening,really listening,not as background music. It is intelligent and well constructed. In saying this I don't mean that it's dry or academic. This is music played at a very high level,which is one of it's assets. There is nothing here that will "grab" you immediately-rather it weaves it's way into your mind by it's very subtle sound.



Both players are very cognizant of the other and together they weave a quiet quilt of sound. Konitz is forever indebted to Lennie Tristano in his approach to music. So is Broadbent. These musicians will at one moment play in tandem and the next moment will fill in spaces individually. Konitz's tone is a bit like Charlie Parker's,but he seems to have forged his own recognizable sound. Broabent was influenced early on by Bud Powell,but he too has forged his own way on the piano. Together they make music of the highest caliber. This(and the companion"More Live-Lee")is the type of music that seems to have fallen between the cracks. That's to bad,for this is jazz that while unassuming,should be heard by many more people. Only then will music like this become known and maybe the record companies will take a chance and record music of high caliber for the benefit and enjoyment of us all.



The tunes are made up primarily of standards and originals. Don't let the term original get in the way-these two consumate musicians play it their way. The sound is wonderful,almost sounding like a studio recording,thanks to Phil Edwards."