Lee Konitz: Conversations on the Improviser's Art (Jazz Perspectives)

“Meticulously researched, detailed and documented, this long awaited overview justly establishes Konitz as one of the most consistently brilliant, adventurous and original improvisers in the jazz tradition—a genius as rare as Bird himself.”

—John Zorn

“Hamilton’s work may well mark the inception of a format new to writing on Western music, one which avoids both the self-aggrandizing of autobiography and the stylized subjectification of biography.”

—The Wire

“An extraordinary approach to a biography, with the man himself speaking for extended sessions. The main vibration I felt from Lee’s words was total honesty, almost to a fault. Konitz shows himself to be an acute observer of the scene, full of wisdom and deep musical insights, relevant to any historical period regardless of style. The asides by noted musicians are beautifully woven throughout the pages. I couldn’t put the book down—it is the definition of a living history.”

—David Liebman

The preeminent altoist associated with the “cool” school of jazz, Lee Konitz was one of the few saxophonists of his generation to forge a unique sound independent of the influence of Charlie Parker. In the late 1940s, Konitz began his career with the Claude Thornhill band, during which time he came into contact with Miles Davis, with whom he would later work on the legendary Birth of the Cool sessions. Konitz is perhaps best known through his association with Lennie Tristano, under whose influence much of his sound evolved, and for his work with Stan Kenton and Warne Marsh. His recordings have ranged from cool bop to experimental improvisation and have appeared on such labels as Prestige, Atlantic, Verve, and Polydor.

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Crafted out of numerous interviews between the author and his subject, the book offers a unique look at the story of Lee Konitz’s life and music, detailing Konitz’s own insights into his musical education and his experiences with such figures as Miles Davis, Stan Kenton, Warne Marsh, Lennie Tristano, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell, and Bill Evans.

Andy Hamilton is a jazz pianist and contributor to major jazz and contemporary music magazines. He teaches philosophy, and the history and aesthetics of jazz, at Durham University in the United Kingdom. He is also the author of the book Aesthetics and Music (Continuum 2007).

Joe Lovano is a Grammy Award–winning tenor saxophonist. His most recent album is Streams of Expression.

I have to admit - Before reading this book I didn't know much about Mr Konitz's music. Despite that- I was captivated, informed, challenged and entertained throughout the entire reading.

Konitz is an absolute inspiration. I am considering buying this book for every musician I work with.

Improvisational music followers will find much of value in these insightful, opinionated, inspired, grouchy and ultimately humble transcribed conversations with Lee Konitz. Konitz has played his way across the full spectrum of jazz and readers would derive great pleasure from the book even if they had never heard him play...but far more if they have. Any one who enjoyed "Time will Tell: Conversations with Paul Bley" would equally enjoy this book as it is similar in format and the very high quality of the information imparted.

This was a fascinating read on so many levels. The unique format (short interviews with various musicians - from Sonny Rollins, to Ornette, to Bill Frisell and Wayne - along with conversation format interveiws with Konitz himself, regular bio info, transcriptions, lead sheets of orginals, etc..) was really effective, it really works! I haven't read a book on jazz, or a jazz musician, anything like this.

Reading Lee's philosophy and thoughts on the art form, how he sees himself as an artist, his musical ideals and goals, his personal experiences, and also some of the fairly controversial views he holds...amazing food for thought. Fascinating insight into an often underrated genius and incredible innovator.

Highly recommended!

At the end of this book, author Andy Hamilton reassures Konitz that it will become a classic of jazz literature. I guess Hamilton was speaking at least half tongue-in-cheek, but, for what it's worth, I also think he's probably right.

As it's been said elsewhere, the author's editorial prowess is phenomenal, and the proof is that the book is extremely easy to read, while, at the same time, it is packed with information and insight. Hamilton has also been able to engage Konitz in some interesting discussions, like his views on several musicians - Anthony Braxton, most memorably - or his assessment of his own playing, and on the actual physical and psychological aspects of the process of improvising music.

This is pretty close to my ideal book on a jazz musician, where the subject has the chance to tell his story while speaking freely to a knowledgeable counterpart.

Highly recommended.

I found this book to be one of the most clear, informative and honest books in jazz literature that I have ever read.

Lee comes across as a candid, humble man, a servant to his art.

Through the conversational and well researched style that the writer Andy Hamilton adopts, Lee Konitz offers many realistic, straightforward insights into his life and study: and the lives of those around him.

As a jazz musician myself, this book opens many doors of perception.

It cuts through the myth and hyperbole that often surround the lives of the truly great ones in this wonderful artform.

Highly recommended!