Details of Death: Died at the age of 92 of complication from coronavirus.
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Jazz Legend
Konitz was an alto saxophonist who started out playing bebop jazz in the 1940s. He was a pioneer of the cool jazz movement and an incredible improviser who was a featured player on Miles Davis’s seminal 1957 album “Birth of the Cool.” The album which also featured Gerry Mulligan, showcased the emerging style which used classical music ideas in a style more relaxed than bebop. Though his star faded in the United States, he remained an important figure for Jazz fans in Europe and continued to perform live until recently.
What they said about him
I’ve just heard of Lee Konitz’s passing.He was 92.Please honor his legacy by listening.A wonderful place to start is this album with the great Warne Marsh.Losing too many good ones to that great band in the sky.❤️https://t.co/EfpzZvYLpv
Lee Konitz. A singular voice. A singular soul. I loved him since my teenage years in Memphis-straight through. Always a joy when we met up. His elan, inventive genius & dry wit were part of his unique signature in sound and in life. RIP dear friend. Om shanti, shanti, shantihi. pic.twitter.com/x2tjIO5pB8
I'm hearing reports of the death of Lee Konitz, one of the defining altoists of modern jazz & a totally committed improviser—an inspiration to me & many others. He was literally there at the Birth of the Cool, and operated at the highest level for decades. https://t.co/lnUgOsRO1Qpic.twitter.com/9gWbIVtPqj
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