Lee Konitz is widely considered one of the most influential and distinctive alto saxophonists in jazz history – but it's unlikely that many readers, even sax players, have heard of him. Born in Chicago in 1927, Konitz had a prolific 75-year career, performing right up to his death, aged 92, from Covid-19 in 2020. He came of musical age during the 1940s, the heyday of bebop spearheaded by fellow altoist Charlie Parker, who exerted a huge influence on musicians at the time. Konitz initially towed the line, emulating Parker's fast-paced, virtuosic solos over rapidly shifting harmonies. However, unlike most of his contemporaries, Konitz decided to stay true to his own voice, forging his own path.
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