Welcome to our collection of insightful quotes by Lee Konitz, a legendary figure in the world of jazz. Renowned for his distinctive alto saxophone sound and innovative improvisational style, Konitz left an indelible mark on the genre. Born in Chicago in 1927, he emerged as a key figure in the bebop movement alongside luminaries such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. However, Konitz’s approach to music went beyond the confines of any single movement, as he continually sought to push the boundaries of jazz expression.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over seven decades, Lee Konitz remained dedicated to exploring new avenues of artistic expression. His commitment to authenticity and creativity resonated deeply with audiences and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Whether performing as a soloist or collaborating with other jazz greats, Konitz’s playing was marked by its lyrical elegance and emotional depth. His words offer profound insights into the art of improvisation, the essence of musical expression, and the enduring legacy of jazz.
I could stop and say, Well that was a D minor, G seven, but I really don’t want to know that. I just want to know that there’s a combination of notes that makes a sound. Lee Konitz
A lot of bands were doing remotes from ballrooms around the country. Lee Konitz
I hear many extra-musical things somehow in Coltrane. Lee Konitz
I wish that person outside would stop coughing. Lee Konitz
Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That’s why I wanted the clarinet. Lee Konitz
Many people do think it’s naive to improvise in front of paying customers. I’m not saying one way is better than another. Lee Konitz
Out of Coltrane’s whole history, there are things which I think are great from all the periods. Lee Konitz
We all learn from each other, and I never really hung out with guys in that way, so I missed out. Lee Konitz
I listen to classical music very much. There’s a lot of jazz that I don’t enjoy listening to. Lee Konitz
You just keep playing. If someone special comes along and organizes it in a new way, then you’ll have another approach and everybody will jump on it to try to learn. Lee Konitz
Sound is the first thing that we tune into. Lee Konitz
As long as there are people trying to play music in a sincere way, there will be some jazz. Lee Konitz
Most jazz players work out their solos, at least to the extent that they have a very specific vocabulary. Lee Konitz
I always felt as a horn player, a jam session wasn’t satisfying enough for me. I should have been a rhythm section player, actually. Lee Konitz
I have been able to get a small audience. It’s not the huge audience, but it’s enough to make it possible to play. I appreciate that. Lee Konitz
It was 100 percent music. There was no ego involved, no attitudes, no black and white, it was pure music. Lee Konitz
Bernstein grew up in my building in New York. He’s a very, very fine player. When he was a kid, he came by to find out what was going on in the world of jazz. Lee Konitz
I’d like to feel that whatever I play is a result of whatever I’ve heard. Lee Konitz
Labels don’t mean anything to me. I’m trying to play as passionately as I’m able to. If they want to call that cool, that’s fine. Just spell the name right, is the formula. Lee Konitz
A first love always occupies a special place. Lee Konitz
I understood that if I wanted to work, the saxophone was the main instrument. The clarinet was what we call a double. Lee Konitz
Names and theoretical things don’t occur to me. If they do, I’m not doing my real playing mode. Lee Konitz
In some ways Lester Young is the most complex rhythmically of any musician. He does some things which are just phenomenal. Lee Konitz
I love Indian music very much, but I haven’t studied that specifically. Lee Konitz
After playing now for 60 years, it’s still very challenging for me to play a simple melody and have it clean and touch the reed at the proper time in the proper way. Lee Konitz
I just completed a tour in Europe. I played every night. This requires traveling some days for six hours in a van or a train or a car. After six weeks of that, I checked into the hotel and just fell apart. Lee Konitz
It’s very demanding to make up your own music. Lee Konitz
