Figure and Spirit

Sjoerd Staal — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

“One of the things that has always been a delight to me as a professional musician has been the element of surprise; first of all in the very playing of an improvised kind of music, when it’s all happening right, the surprise (although matter of fact in doing it) is sometimes very great; then, the situations one is asked to participate in, the places to go to perform in, are some very pleasant surprises to look forward to. Recently (Nov. ’75), I was called at 4:00 A.M. to be invited to play at Ronnie Scott’s in London for three weeks, and like the man who came to dinner, stayed eight months…what nice surprises in Europe!

Anyway, one day I received a call from Gus Statiras, whom I met in the ‘40’s, to make a record. After some few brief discussions, it was set up. Gus asked if Warne Marsh and I and prepared a few things especially for this set. Then I selected some of the best rhythm section players around: Rufus Reid, just in from Chicago is a delight to make music with; Albert Daily has music coming out in every direction, a beautiful piano player; and Joe Chambers, whom you all know from the many great musical situations he’s been in over the years.

So there we were, about as different from each other as you could imagine, playing music together…what a surprise! Well, do you know, everything was done in one take…mistakes and all. After all, it’s a fifty minute set of music (the first set!). Well, we know the third set is going to be much looser, so let’s hope this is good enough to warrant a second and third set. And most important, I hope there are some surprises for you.

Thanks.”

Lee Konitz
November, 1976

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Two Not One

Sjoerd Staal — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The cumulative impression of this reissue of alto saxophonist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh recording made in Copenhagen in the 1975 is one of exceptional creativity. Both men were masters of the art of never repeating themselves and a set of this scope really brings the point home.

Konitz and Marsh had by this stage of their respective careers taken their interest in music to a point which for the time at least was scarce amongst jazz musicians. It is amazing music from the two Lennie Tristano pupils.

Lee Konitz – Alto Saxophone
Warne Marsh – Tenor Saxophone

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Konitz Archives - NativeDSD Music

Figure and Spirit

Two Not One