Every reed player seems to seek
Lee Konitz for a duo session, possibly because in addition to being a great player, he is unafraid of tackling new music or taking risks. Baritone saxophonist
Thomas Zoller invited
Konitz for these 1998 sessions, which consist of nine originals and one familiar song. The brooding pulse of the opener,
"100+8," begins the session with an ominous air, though the improvising by the reed players is brilliant as they are backed by
Carlos Mombelli's droning bass vamp and
Bill Elgart's brushwork.
"La Paloma Revisited" is a melancholy ballad, suggesting the return to a town where love once flourished, but no more. The exotic, elegant
"Vrindavan" is like a meditation, while the haunting
"Unisono" sounds like an on-the-spot creation.
Johnny Mandel's
"I Want to Live" was written for the movie of the same name starring
Susan Heyward as a Death Row inmate; this interpretation builds upon
Gerry Mulligan's original soundtrack recording while maintaining the tense atmosphere.
Zoller's
"Love and Simplicity" is a melodic affair reminiscent of so many
Mulligan quartet recordings. This brilliant CD is well-worth seeking. ~ Ken Dryden
![Beggars Banquet [50th Anniversary Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0018771850229_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Beggars Banquet [50th Anniversary Edition]")
![O Brother, Where Art Thou? [Original Soundtrack]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0008817006925_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "O Brother, Where Art Thou? [Original Soundtrack]")
