CD review: Lee Konitz – The Verve Albums Collection 2019: Video, CD cover

THE VERVE ALBUMS COLLECTION Among the most creative and prolific saxophonists of his generation, Lee Konitz was one of few altoists working in the early fifties who retained a unique style, in an era when Charlie Parker extended a huge influence.

An early sideman for Miles Davis, Konitz participated in the legendary Birth Of Cool sessions, while his work with jazz pianist and teacher Lennie Tristano – Lee was a former pupil – remains highly sought. Comprising the musician s eight original albums made for Verve and Atlantic in the late 1950s, this four-disc set features the finest work this estimable sax-man ever produced. With over five hours of extraordinary music, this collection documents the most pivotal phase of what was both a widely celebrated and long standing career. Working as both an ideal introduction to Lee Konitz s best music, and a welcome reminder of his musical prowess, this delightful set will thrill newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

CD1
1. Topsy (5:30)
2. There Will Never Be Another You (4:49)
3. I Can’t Get Started (3:59)
4. Donna Lee (6:18)
5. Two Not One (5:36)
6. Don’t Squawk (6:08)
7. Ronnies Line (3:10)
8. Background Music (5:45)
9. Kary’s Trance (6:08)
10. Everything Happens To Me (4:30)
11. Sweet And Lovely (4:03)
12. Cork ‘N’ Bib (5:30)
13. All Of Me (5:10)
14. Star Eyes (5:21)
15. Nesuhi’s Instant (5:08)
16. Indiana (5:19)

CD2
1. Sunflower (2:51)
2. Stairway To The Stars (5:24)
3. Movin’ Around (7:49)
4. Kary’s Trance (3:19)
5. Crazy She Calls Me (7:27)
6. Billie’s Bounce (3:17)
7. Stephanie (3:56)
8. Memories Of You (3:12)
9. People Will Say We’re In Love (4:57)
10. When You’re Smiling (3:49)
11. Sunday (3:26)
12. Lennie Bird (4:07)
13. The Nearness Of You (6:10)
14. Jonquil (3:11)

CD3
1. Round Midnight (5:20)
2. The Daffodil’s Smile (4:04)
3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good) (2:22)
4. Music For Alto Saxophone And Strings (Pt. 1) (4:29)
5. Music For Alto Saxophone And Strings (Pt. 2) (2:56)
6. Music For Alto Saxophone And Strings (Pt. 3) (2:39)
7. What’s New’ (2:45)
8. Blues For Our Children (6:55)
9. An Image Of Man (10:25)
10. Palo Alto (3:12)
11. Darn That Dream (1:55)
12. When Your Lover Has Gone (5:06)
13. Cork ‘N’ Bib (9:54)
14. Somp’n Outa’ Nothin’ (4:33)
15. Someone To Watch Over Me (3:40)
16. Uncharted (3:59)
17. Moonlight In Vermont (4:03)
18. The Song Is You (4:27)

CD4
1. Everything I’ve Got (Belongs To You) (4:51)
2. You Don’t Know What Love Is (4:23)
3. You’re Driving Me Crazy (4:15)
4. I Didn’t Know About You (4:03)
5. (You’re Clear) Out Of This World (4:11)
6. The More I See You (3:43)
7. You Are Too Beautiful (4:13)
8. I’m Getting Sentimental Over You (3:58)
9. I Remember You (4:27)
10. All Of Me (7:32)
11. Foolin’ Myself (6:57)
12. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To (10:42)
13. I’ll Remember April (8:01)