Lee Konitz

"Meticulously researched, detailed and documented, this long awaited overview justly establishes Konitz as one of the most consistently brilliant, adventurous and original improvisers in the jazz tradition—a genius as rare as Bird himself."
—John Zorn

"Hamilton's work may well mark the inception of a format new to writing on Western music, one which avoids both the self-aggrandizing of autobiography and the stylized subjectification of biography."
—The Wire

"An extraordinary approach to a biography, with the man himself speaking for extended sessions. The main vibration I felt from Lee's words was total honesty, almost to a fault. Konitz shows himself to be an acute observer of the scene, full of wisdom and deep musical insights, relevant to any historical period regardless of style. The asides by noted musicians are beautifully woven throughout the pages. I couldn't put the book down—it is the definition of a living history."
—David Liebman

"An extraordinary approach to a biography, with the man himself speaking for extended sessions. The main vibration I felt from Lee's words was total honesty, almost to a fault. Konitz shows himself to be an acute observer of the scene, full of wisdom and deep musical insights, relevant to any historical period regardless of style. The asides by noted musicians are beautifully woven throughout the pages. I couldn' t put the book down—it is the definition of a living history."
—David Liebman

"Although fellow musicians have always held him in the highest regard, Lee Konitz's genius is becoming more understood and appreciated as generations of listeners are introduced to his catalogue of indispensable recordings. Hamilton's book reveals the deep thinking and wry humour of the man. Konitz displays an almost painful sincerity, and the speaking and the musical voice appear as two facets of the same complex character—the expression of thought and the expression of musical ideas all of a piece."
—Evan Parker

"Andy Hamilton presents us with a long overdue and much needed look into the world of legendary alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, whose unique approach and meticulous attention to detail has resulted in some of the most perfect, beautiful and emotional improvisations in jazz. Through in-depth interviews and a keen sense of historical perspective, Hamilton gives us an insider's look into the thoughts and working methods of one of jazz's truly legendary geniuses."
—John Zorn

"Experiencing the music of Lee Konitz in the flesh and in different settings is a reminder of what a unique musician he is. This is an equally unique book which, by contrast with some as-told-to autobiographies, beneficially lays bare the subject's thought processes, thanks to the skillful interviewing of Andy Hamilton."
—Brian Priestley, author of Chasin' The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker and co-author of The Rough Guide to Jazz

"...Hamilton's work may well mark the inception of a format new to writing on Western music, one which avoids both the self-aggrandizing of autobiography and the stylized subjectification of biography."
—The Wire

* The Wire *

". . . a thoroughly absorbing read: a must-have for Konitz fans but highly recommended for anyone interested in jazz, the art of musical improvisation, and the creative process."
—Francis Lo Kee, All About Jazz

* All About Jazz *

". . . a fascinating portrait of someone who has developed a distinctive, personal sound on his instrument and remained difficult to categorize. . . . Hamilton was clearly the right man to deal with this complex musician, long admired by fellow players and critics. . . "
—Jazz Notes

* Jazz Notes *

"There is no more illuminating window into jazz history and aesthetics than the abundant jazz literature containing the first-person testimony of the musicians who created it. Andy Hamilton's [book] jumps to the top of the list."
—Downbeat

* Downbeat *

"There is much useful and subtle discussion . . . peppered with fascinating critical insights. Konitz's voice turns out to be every bit as distinctive as his saxophone playing: once heard, never forgotten."
—Brian Marley, Signal To Noise

* Signal to Noise *

"When I saw an early draft of this book, I felt there might be a little too much of [the author] in here, but actually it is only right and proper that there is as much of him as there is. He prods and pushes Lee when he feels he isn't getting much of an answer, and he makes the conversations a genuine two-way discourse. . . . Several of [them] have a tussle to them which makes the book a page-turner. Yes, it's a classic of the literature."
—Richard Cook, Jazz Review

* Jazz Review *

"What has been admirably achieved here is the realization in print of a highly musical, inquisitive mind, one that habitually bucks the cliche."
—Nic Jones, All About Jazz

* All About Ja