Frank Wunsch's captivating album, An Evening with Lee Konitz and Frank Wunsch, is a masterful blend of cool jazz, free jazz, bebop, and avant-garde sounds. Released on 9 July 2021 via Jazzwerkstatt, this 1 hour and 5 minute collection is a treasure trove of live recordings from a 1996 performance in Cologne.
The tracklist is a testament to the duo's versatility, featuring renditions of timeless classics such as 'Alone Together', 'Body and Soul', and 'I'll Remember April', alongside more experimental pieces like 'Lydian Adventure' and 'Subconscious-Lee'. With each note, Frank Wunsch and Lee Konitz demonstrate their profound understanding of jazz, effortlessly navigating the complexities of 'Thingin'' and 'Starlight Variation'. The result is an album that not only showcases the pair's technical prowess but also their deep emotional connection to the music.
Throughout the album, Frank Wunsch's skillful playing weaves in and out of Lee Konitz's distinctive sound, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. As the album unfolds, the listener is treated to a journey through the full range of human emotion, from the melancholic 'Out of the Deep' to the uplifting 'You're a Weaver of Dreams'. With its unique blend of spontaneity and sophistication, An Evening with Lee Konitz and Frank Wunsch is a must-listen for fans of jazz in all its forms.