MG Special
In the Tradition: Lee Konitz
May 19, 2008
Lee Konitz is synonymous with the cool jazz movement,a master improvisor that has
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| Lee Konitz |
transcended time finding ways to refresh tried true compositions.Konitz, who has played and was contemporary of some of the same artists with whom Haynes performed, claims a similar story arc, having launched his career with artists like Lennie Tristano, Charlie Haden, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans and Stan Kenton, with whom he performed in Reno in the early ’50s. Recently he performed with pianist Danilo Perez and bassist Rufus Reid.
Through all the aggregations with whom he’s performed — young or old — Konitz prefers the comfort of standards, “Body and Soul,” “All That There is” and “Stella by Starlight,” from which to launch his improvisational explorations.
“ I like standards,” he said. “I continue to play the same tunes because of the challenge to seeing if I can rearrange the parts. But I do as little premeditation as possible.”
Click here for audio
Reno Jazz Festival: Randy Brecker
April 29, 2007
Randy Brecker, one of the headliners of the 2007 edition of the Reno Jazz Festival starting Thursday, he can be associated with several eras of music, an expanse of artists and launch and development of myriad nuances of jazz and progressive music expression.
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| Randy Brecker |
Brecker's appearance along with fellow headliner John Scofield and his trio are hallmarks of this year's jazz fest as they embody the rich depth of musical expression represented by the complete roster of artists that will conduct workshops and seminars expected to attract more than 360 young, aspiring music aggregations.
Many of the youngsters that will be at the University of Nevada, Reno for the jazz festival workshops each year come to learn what the guest mentors have to offer, the discipline and the sense of exploration required.
The following is a short excerpt from his interview, in which he talks about his alter ego "Randroid." Click here for audio