"Intuition" is a captivating jazz album by the legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz, released posthumously on May 14, 2020, via Chameleon Archive. This collection of 14 tracks showcases Konitz's mastery of cool jazz, bebop, and hard bop, offering a rich and varied listening experience that spans a mere 49 minutes. The album features Konitz's signature long, melodic lines and his unique approach to improvisation, which often creates the illusion of playing in a different time signature from the rhythm section.
"Intuition" includes both standards and original compositions, with tracks like "All the Things You Are," "I Remember April," and "Bernie's Tune" sitting alongside Konitz's own works such as "Sextet," "Abolution," and the title track "Intuition." The album is a testament to Konitz's enduring influence on jazz, with his innovative style predating Ornette Coleman's free jazz experiments by about a decade.
Konitz, who passed away in April 2020 at the age of 92, was a pioneer of free improvisation, having recorded the first free-improvisation sessions in 1949 with the Lennie Tristano Quartet. His work on "Intuition" continues to inspire and challenge listeners, demonstrating his unique voice and profound understanding of jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lee Konitz or a newcomer to his music, "Intuition" is an essential addition to any jazz collection, offering a deep dive into the mind of one of the genre's most innovative and influential figures.