LEE KONITZ NONET - Yes, Yes, Nonet (1979-1986) 24bits-44.1Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

It was a tragedy that Lee Konitz's versatile nonet was not able to succeed commercially. Just like its leader, the group was able to stretch from swing standards, bop and cool jazz to freer improvisations and challenging originals. This SteepleChase release (featuring the nonet when it was comprised of such fine players as trumpeters Tom Harrell and John Eckert, trombonists Jimmy Knepper and Sam Burtis, baritonist Ronnie Cuber, pianist Harold Danko, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy Hart in addition to Konitz on alto and soprano) features the group at its best on such pieces as "Footprints," "Stardust," "My Buddy" and four songs by Jimmy Knepper. It's an excellent outing from a somewhat neglected group. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Dearth of a Nation 6:05
Jimmy Knepper
2     Lanquid 6:13
Jimmy Knepper
3     Footprints 8:04
Wayne Shorter
4     Stardust 5:13
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
5     Primrose Path 6:32
Jimmy Knepper
6     Noche Triste 4:33
Jimmy Knepper
7     My Buddy 3:31
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Baritone Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Buster Williams
Bass Trombone – Sam Burtis
Drums – Billy Hart
Piano – Harold Danko
Trombone – Jimmy Knepper
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – John Eckert, Tom Harrell

LEE KONITZ - Dovetail (1983) 24bits-44.1Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Billed as the "Lee Konitz Terzet" (without ever defining what "Terzet" is), this fine trio set features Konitz on alto, tenor, soprano and even a vocal, plus pianist Harold Danko and bassist Jay Leonhart. Konitz states in the liner notes that "we played in a club for one week and found a way to create nice instant arrangements on familiar tunes..." That pretty well describes this music, for even the so-called originals by the trio have a close relationship to a familiar standard. The repertoire is certainly a bit offbeat for these modernists, particularly such songs as "I Want to Be Happy," "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Penthouse Serenade," but the musicians come up with fresh statements on all of the tunes. A continually interesting set, like most of Lee Konitz's recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I Want to Be Happy 9:42
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
2     The Night Has a Thousand Eyes 4:54
B. Bernier / Jerry Brainin / Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
3     Counter-Point 2:19
Harold Danko / Lee Konitz / Jay Leonhart
4     Dovetail 7:45
Harold Danko / Lee Konitz / Jay Leonhart
5     Sweet Georgia Brown 6:50
Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard
6     Alone Together 7:04
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
7     Cherokee 9:11
Ray Noble
8     Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone) 3:27
Val Burton / Will Jason
9     Play Fiddle Play 8:04
Jerry Bock / Sheldon Harnick
Credits :    
Double Bass – Jay Leonhart
Piano – Harold Danko
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Voice, Liner Notes – Lee Konitz
Notas.
Recorded at Penthouse Recordings, NYC, February 25 & 27, 1983

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Ideal Scene (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Soul Note release features Lee Konitz with his 1986 quartet, a unit that also includes pianist Harold Danko, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Al Harewood. Konitz, listed as playing soprano on the album but actually sticking exclusively to alto, not only interprets three veteran standards ("Ezz-thetic," "If You Could See Me Now" and "Stella by Starlight") but also three of Danko's then-recent originals and his own "Chick Came Around." The subtle but swinging music is harmonically advanced and full of surprising twists; no predictable bebop here. More than most members of his musical generation, Lee Konitz has continued to keep his music and improvising style fresh and enthusiastic while retaining his own original musical personality through the years. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Chick Came Around 6:13
Lee Konitz
2     Tidal Breeze 7:50
Harold Danko
3     Silly Samba 6:30
Harold Danko
4     Ezz-Thetic 4:35
George Russell
5     If You Could See Me Now 7:30
Tadd Dameron / Carl Sigman
6     Stare-Case 3:06
Harold Danko
7     Stella by Starlight 9:24
Ned Washington / Victor Young
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Liner Notes – Lee Konitz
Artwork [Cover Art] – Giuliano Crivelli
Bass – Rufus Reid
Drums – Al Harewood
Piano – Harold Danko

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - The New York Album (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While jazz wars continue to rage between the neo-classicists and most everyone else, veterans like alto saxophonist Lee Konitz thankfully continue to produce great music. Having already experienced the controversy of coming out of Lennie Tristano's idiosyncratic camp during the late bebop years, Konitz seems content in exploring the endless tributaries of jazz and improvisation. The high quality of his work from the past 40 years, along with his willingness to experiment with a variety of musicians and group configurations, earned him both the prestigious Jazzpar Prize and the continued praise of critics and fans alike. For this lovely and swinging date from 1988, Konitz conjures up a fresh array of solo moods on a mix of self-penned material, contemporary originals, and standards. Backed by a stellar band made up of bassist Marc Johnson, pianist Harold Danko, and drummer Adam Nussbaum, Konitz pleasantly surprises with his mercurial phrases, varied tonal palette, and unique rhythmic sense. Highlights include "Candlelight Shadows," "Limehouse Blues," and "Monkian Round." A very enjoyable collection. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist :
1     Candlelight Shadows 9:34
Harold Danko
2     Everybody's Song But My Own 7:23
Kenny Wheeler
3     Limehouse Blues 5:252
Philip Braham / Douglas Furber
4     Monkian Round 3:24
Lee Konitz
5     September Waltz 7:01
Frank Wunsch
6     Dream Variation 4:35
Lee Konitz
7     Invitation 8:56
Bronislaw Kaper / Paul Francis Webster
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Marc Johnson
Cover [Painting] – Tavia Konitz
Drums – Adam Nussbaum
Piano – Harold Danko

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Dearly Beloved (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     The Way You Look Tonight 11:38
Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
2     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 7:45
Cole Porter
3     Someday My Prince Will Come 8:07
Frank Churchill / Larry Morey
4     Bye Bye Blackbird 11:32
Mort Dixon / Ray Henderson
5     Dearly Beloved 10:53
Jerome Kern / Johnny Mercer
6     The Night Has a Thousand Eyes 14:24
Buddy Bernier / Jerry Brainin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jay Anderson
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Danko

LEE KONITZ | RICH PERRY - RichLee! (1998) 24bits-44Hz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     You Are a Weaver of Dreams 8:47
Victor Young
2     Easy Living 7:56
Ralph Rainger
3     Three Little Words 9:32
Kalmar
4     How Deep is the Ocean 11:54
Irving Berlin
5     Out of Nowhere 3:58
Edward Heyman
6     Moonlight In Vermont 6:59
Karl Suessdorf   
7     I Love You 7:37
Cole Porter
8     Half Nelson 8:29
Miles Davis
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jay Anderson
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Danko
Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry

CHET BAKER - As Time Goes By (1986-2020) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While Baker's chops are clearly subpar there is a quaint romanticism to it all that somehow snares the listener. Performing with a first-rate trio (pianist Harold Danko, bassist Jon Burr, and drummer Ben Riley), the trumpeter runs through ten tunes, most of which Baker has recorded before. Nonetheless, the more than an hour of recording time gives everyone a chance to stretch. And, Baker's vocals on "As Time Goes By" and "Round Midnight" are never tiring. Baker is a more than a bit muddled in his singing, sounding as though his mouth is filled with steel wool. Yet, the feelings he displays are so pure and touching that every note is imbued with deep emotion. Most of the songs are performed slowly, sometimes heart-wrenchingly so. While Baker seems tired, there is a cool, raw touch throughout, making this a decent example of the trumpeter's later playing. His range seems even more limited than usual, too. Danko is a thorough joy, and plays splendidly in support. by Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    You And The Night And The Music 5:24
Vocals – Chet Baker
Written By – Arthur Schwartz, Howard Dietz
2    As Time Goes By 6:40
Written-By – Hupfeld
3    My Melancholy Baby 6:52
Written-By – Burnett, A. Norton, Watson
4    I'm A Fool To Want You 8:38
Written-By – Wolf, Herron
5    When She Smiles 6:00
Written-By – Harold Danko
6    Sea Breeze 6:54
Written-By – Jon Burr
7    You Have Been Here All Along 7:37
Written-By – Jon Burr
8    Angel Eyes 6:04
Written By – Earl K. Brent, Matt Dennis
9    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 4:27
Written-By – Cole Porter
10    Round Midnight 7:33
Written-By – Cootie Williams, Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Jon Burr
Drums – Ben Riley
Piano – Harold Danko
Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker

CHET BAKER WITH STRINGS - Heratbreak (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Chet Baker lives! By taking lush string arrangements by Michel Hardy recorded after the trumpeter's death and incorporating them in what appear to be two separate quartets sessions led by Baker from 1986 to 1988, this CD is a loving tribute to an icon of 20th Century jazz. The recording of the strings is seamless, lovingly performed, and sounds as if it were recorded contemporaneously with the small groups. The ten tunes are mostly ones Baker performed before, including "Angel Eyes," "My Funny Valentine," "As Time Goes By," and "My Foolish Heart." Although Baker was not in the best of shape and has trouble with his vocalizing, his trumpet work is satisfactory and the sheer emotions produced are nearly awe-inspiring. While there is much better Baker available, this unique and creative approach to adding the strings posthumously is surprisingly attractive and opens endless possibilities. The rhythm sections, one of which includes drummer Ben Riley and pianist Harold Danko, blend smoothly and inconspicuously, permitting the focus to be Chet's singing and trumpeting. by Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1     Angel Eyes 5:06
Earl Brent / Matt Dennis
2     All of You 3:42
Cole Porter   
3     My Funny Valentine 7:15
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers   
4     Blue Moon 4:16
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5     I'm a Fool to Want You 7:53
Joel Herron / Frank Sinatra / Jack Wolf
6     You and the Night and the Music 4:27
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
7     As Time Goes By 5:46
Herman Hupfeld
8     'Round Midnight 6:54
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
9     My Melancholy Baby 4:38
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
10     My Foolish Heart 7:42
Ned Washington / Victor Young
Credits :
Arranged By – Michael Hardy
Bass – John Burr, Ricardo Del Fra (faixas: 2, 3)
Conductor – Jürger Hermann
Drums – Ben Riley, John Engels (faixas: 2, 3)
Piano – Harold Danko, Michel Graillier (faixas: 2, 3)
Strings – Funk Haus Berlin String
Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker