Live at Birdland (Lee Konitz album) explained

Live at Birdland
Type:	live
Artist:	Lee Konitz
Cover:	Live at Birdland (album cover).jpg
Released:	June 7, 2011
Recorded:	December 9–10, 2009
Genre:	Jazz
Label:	ECM

Live at Birdland is an album by saxophonist Lee Konitz, with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Paul Motian.

Background

Three of the four musicians on this album – Konitz, Mehldau, and Haden – had recorded together in 1996 and 1997.^[1]

Music and recording

All six tracks are standards. The album was recorded at New York's Birdland club on December 9 and 10, 2009.^[2] No set list was used; instead, "Konitz or Mehldau would back his way into a classic of his choosing, and the others would join in".^[3]

Critical reception

Reviews of the album were mixed. The Daily Telegraph suggested that "Konitz's solos are masterly in their economy, but one senses the other players lowering their voices in respect."^[4] John Fordham was enthusiastic, and described it as a "captivating live set".

Track listing

1. "Lover Man" – 12:05
2. "Lullaby Of Birdland" – 12:05
3. "Solar" – 11:39
4. "I Fall in Love Too Easily" – 10:17
5. "You Stepped out of a Dream" – 11:49
6. "Oleo" – 15:19

Personnel

• Lee Konitz – alto sax
• Brad Mehldau – piano
• Charlie Haden – bass
• Paul Motian – drums

Notes and References

1. Dryden, Ken "Lee Konitz – Another Shade of Blue". AllMusic. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
2. http://player.ecmrecords.com/live_at_birdland "Live at Birdland – Project"
3. Beuttler, Bill (May 17, 2011) "Lee Konitz/Brad Mehldau/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian – Live at Birdland". JazzTimes.
4. Hewett, Ivan (June 9, 2011) "Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian: Live at Birdland, CD Review". The Daily Telegraph.