"You dont have to be a hard core fan to recognize that Konitz at his best is a wonderfully inspired improviser, and these 54-55 recordings capture him in peak form. His phrasing, attack, and the beautiful flow of ideas will make believers out of any but those who just cant hear what hes after with that tone at all. The only problem I have with early Konitz is that his pianists-including demigod Lennie-often employed very predictable phrasing. Incongruously, these same pianists specialized as composers in pieces of spectacular rhythmic complexity. Much of Ronnie Balls playing here, and his excellent Ronnies Tune and Froggy Day, are offered in evidence. Lees No Splices and Ablution are also musical tongue twisters a la Tristano. Seven tracks feature Peter Ind and Jeff Morton, with Percy Heath and Al Levitt doing duty on three live tracks. Both bassists sound great, both drummers subsidiary". (Jazz Times)
"Konitz" is een album van saxofonist en bandleider Lee Konitz met opnamen uit augustus 1954. De plaat verscheen datzelfde jaar als mini-lp (10 inch) op het Storyville-label. In 1989 werd het album opnieuw uitgebracht met bonus tracks (voornamelijk alternatieve takes). Scott Yanow (Allmusic) schreef: "The 1954 Lee Konitz Quartet did not last long but they did record some worthwhile performances that still sound fresh over 40 years later. ... Altoist Konitz is ably assisted by pianist Ronnie Ball, bassist Peter Ind and drummer Jeff Morton on cool/bop performances which give one a good sampling of how Konitz sounded in his early prime".
