Description
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 40s, 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. 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.
About the Author
Andy Hamilton is a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Durham University, and a frequent contributor to jazz magazines both in the US and abroad. This project originally grew out of interviews with Konitz for The Wire and Jazz Review. Hamilton is also at work on a book on music and aesthetics, and is an amateur jazz pianist and singer.
Reviews
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 ""Experiencing the music of Lee Konitz in the flesh and in different settings is a reminder of what a unique musician he is. This is an equally unique book which, by contrast with some as-told-to autobiographies, beneficially lays bare the subject's thought processes, thanks to the skillful interviewing of Andy Hamilton."" - Brian Priestley, author of Chasin' the Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker and co-author of The Rough Guide to Jazz
Book Information
ISBN 9780472032174
Author Andy Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint The University of Michigan Press
Publisher The University of Michigan Press
Weight(grams) 540g
About the Author
Andy Hamilton is a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Durham University, and a frequent contributor to jazz magazines both in the US and abroad. This project originally grew out of interviews with Konitz for The Wire and Jazz Review. Hamilton is also at work on a book on music and aesthetics, and is an amateur jazz pianist and singer.
Reviews
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 ""Experiencing the music of Lee Konitz in the flesh and in different settings is a reminder of what a unique musician he is. This is an equally unique book which, by contrast with some as-told-to autobiographies, beneficially lays bare the subject's thought processes, thanks to the skillful interviewing of Andy Hamilton."" - Brian Priestley, author of Chasin' the Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker and co-author of The Rough Guide to Jazz
Book Information
ISBN 9780472032174
Author Andy Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint The University of Michigan Press
Publisher The University of Michigan Press
Weight(grams) 540g
