Search - Lee Konitz :: Tenorlee

Are they lovers? No way, but it sounds like it.

Hank Hirsh | Portland, Oregon, USA | 07/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lee Konitz and Jimmy Rowles play beautifully together. Every cut on this record offers hip, sensitive treatment of standard tunes. My favorite cuts are the Bob Hope theme song, Thanks for the Memories, You are too Beautiful and Lady Be Good, when the two play Lester Young's solo in unison. Jazz history abounds in that track.

These guys are making musical love here. Rowles' comping style is laid back, letting Lee say what he has to say, and his lines are always melodic. Konitz, heard here on tenor has a warm, reedy, breathy sound. His concept works well on the bigger horn and the approach is not as angular as some of his alto work. I don't know what Lee's tenor would sound like live, with a drummer, but here it is unique and beautiful. This is a great duo record, with an occasional Michael Moore bass foundation. Frankly, I think the 3rd wheel here is extraneous and these guys do fine without the bass. But, this record is dedicated to the late Richie Kamuca and all three men were close to him.

This is a great record and i would give it more than five stars if possible.

peace

"