Lee Konitz revived his nonet for the occasion of this 1979 concert, with trumpeters
Red Rodney and
John Eckert, baritonist
Ronnie Cuber, trombonist
Jimmy Knepper, and tuba player/bass trombonist
Sam Burtis joining him in the front line.
Lennie Tristano's "April," a challenging reworking of the standard "I'll Remember April," proves to be an inspired opener, with great solos all around.
Knepper's blues "Who You" has the flavor of
Charles Mingus' early-'60s compositions.
Konitz's scoring of "Without a Song" begins with an unaccompanied alto solo before taking on a Latin flavor. Pianist
Benny Aronov switches to the electric keyboard for an intricate take of
Chick Corea's "Times Lie," while the nonet charges head first into the lengthy exploration of
Corea's "Matrix." One of the less familiar releases in
Lee Konitz's extensive discography. ~ Ken Dryden