This LP comprises one of altoist
Lee Konitz's greatest sessions. In 1967 he recorded a series of very diverse duets, all of which succeed on their own terms.
Konitz is matched with valve trombonist
Marshall Brown on a delightful version of "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" and matches wits with the tenor of
Joe Henderson on "You Don't Know What Love Is." He plays "Checkerboard" with pianist
Dick Katz, "Erb" with guitarist
Jim Hall, "Tickle Toe" with the tenor of
Richie Kamuca (
Konitz switches to tenor on that cut), and an adventurous and fairly free "Duplexity" with violinist
Ray Nance.
Konitz also has three different duets in five versions of "Alone Together" and, on "Alphanumeric," welcomes practically everyone back for a final blowout. The music ranges from Dixieland to bop and free, and is consistently fascinating. ~ Scott Yanow