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I was rather shy; but was willing to stand there and invent variations on themes, in front of people; and I got just enough validation to encourage me to continue developing this craft, and sometimes, art. This NEA award is a major acknowledgement. In his youth, Konitz studied clarinet, then alto saxophone with various teachers in Chicago. In the early 1940s, Konitz met noted pianist Lennie Tristano, under whose influence and tutelage his mature style in jazz began to emerge. His recordings with Tristano include the 1949 releases Intuition and Digression -- the first "free" improvised recorded music. Konitz participated in Miles Davis's nonet performances and recordings (Birth of the Cool, 1948-50), famous for both bringing together nine notable musicians and for its place in the history of cool jazz. Konitz went on to play with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker's influential band and worked from 1952-53 in Stan Kenton's big band. From then on, he mainly led his own small groups, occasionally touring abroad. In the early 1960s, as opportunities for performances declined, Konitz withdrew from the music business and took on day work. However, Konitz continued to develop his unique sound, occasionally working with such musicians as Paul Bley, Martial Solal, Charlie Haden, and Brad Mehldau. He worked as a private teacher, conducting lessons by tape with students worldwide. Konitz joined with Warne Marsh, his fellow sideman from early Tristano sessions, to tour Europe and record in 1975-76; he also founded his own nonet and performed regularly during the 1980s. In 1992, Konitz won the prestigious Danish JAZZPAR Prize. He kept a busy release schedule throughout the 1990s and recorded Lee Konitz & The Axis String Quartet: Plays French Impressionist Music of the 21st Century (Palmetto 2000), which combined French impressionist music with Konitz's own improvisation. The Mark Masters Ensemble joined him for One Day with Lee (2004). Most recent releases include Inventions, featuring the Spring String Quartet (Omnitone 2006); New Nonet (Omnitone 2006); and Portology, featuring Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos (Omnitone 2007). His influence is seen in West Coast alto saxophonists Art Pepper, Bud Shank, and Paul Desmond. Currently, Konitz is traveling and performing more than ever. National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal
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