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.Dryden, Ken "Lee Konitz – Another Shade of Blue". AllMusic. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
Music and recording All six tracks are standards. The album was recorded at New York's Birdland club on December 9 and 10, 2009."Live at Birdland – Project" (December 5, 2016). ECM Records. 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".Beuttler, Bill (May 17, 2011) "Lee Konitz/Brad Mehldau/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian – Live at Birdland". JazzTimes.
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."Hewett, Ivan (June 9, 2011) "Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian: Live at Birdland, CD Review". The Daily Telegraph. John Fordham was enthusiastic, and described it as a "captivating live set".
Track listing "Lover Man" – 12:05 "Lullaby of Birdland" – 12:05 "Solar" – 11:39 "I Fall in Love Too Easily" – 10:17 "You Stepped out of a Dream" – 11:49 "Oleo" – 15:19
Personnel Lee Konitz – alto sax Brad Mehldau – piano Charlie Haden – bass Paul Motian – drums
References