Lee Konitz Nonet
Although he's often pigeonholed as a cool alto saxophonist--one of great facility, mind you--this description still seems to ignore Lee Konitz's endless curiosity and ambition. This dense and daring nonet exemplifies Konitz's creative urges, packed as it is with standout players (Jimmy Knepper and Ronnie Cuber lead the pack), complex yet vibrant arrangements, and diverse material. Each member of the four-brass, two-reed frontline gets to flex their bop muscles onCharlie Parker's "Chi-Chi," while Konitz and baritonist Cuber run through some challenging tandem lines over the bubbling harmonics ofJohn Coltrane's "Giant Steps." Sam Burtis's tuba gives punch to the arrangement on the blues "Who You," while on "Struttin' with Some Barbecue," Konitz looses the crew on collective improvisation that would makeLouisgrin.--Marc Greilsamer