Live at Birdland (Lee Konitz album)

Live at Birdland
Live album by Lee Konitz
Released	June 7, 2011
Recorded	December 9–10, 2009
Genre	Jazz
Label	ECM

Live at Birdland is an album by saxophonist Lee Konitz, with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Paul Motian.

Background

Three of the four musicians on this album – Konitz, Mehldau, and Haden – had recorded together in 1996 and 1997. ^[1]

Music and recording

All six tracks are standards. ^[2] The album was recorded at New York's Birdland club on December 9 and 10, 2009. ^[3] No set list was used; instead, "Konitz or Mehldau would back his way into a classic of his choosing, and the others would join in". ^[4]

Critical reception

Reviews of the album were mixed. The Daily Telegraph suggested that "Konitz's solos are masterly in their economy, but one senses the other players lowering their voices in respect." ^[5] John Fordham was enthusiastic, and described it as a "captivating live set". ^[6]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
The Daily Telegraph	[5]
The Guardian	[6]

Track listing

1. "Lover Man" – 12:05
2. "Lullaby Of Birdland" – 12:05
3. "Solar" – 11:39
4. "I Fall in Love Too Easily" – 10:17
5. "You Stepped out of a Dream" – 11:49
6. "Oleo" – 15:19

Personnel

• Lee Konitz – alto sax
• Brad Mehldau – piano
• Charlie Haden – bass
• Paul Motian – drums

References

1. Dryden, Ken "Lee Konitz – Another Shade of Blue". AllMusic. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
2. Freeman, Phil "Lee Konitz / Brad Mehldau / Charlie Haden / Paul Motian Live at Birdland". AllMusic. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
3. "Live at Birdland – Project" (December 5, 2016). ECM Records.
4. Beuttler, Bill (May 17, 2011) "Lee Konitz/Brad Mehldau/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian – Live at Birdland". JazzTimes.
5. Hewett, Ivan (June 9, 2011) "Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian: Live at Birdland, CD Review". The Daily Telegraph.
6. Fordham, John (May 12, 2016) "Lee Konitz/Brad Mehldau: Live at Birdland – Review". The Guardian.