Konitz is sometimes regarded as the preeminent cool jazz saxophonist, because he performed and recorded with Claude Thornhill, Lennie Tristano (both often cited as important cool jazz proponents of the mid 1940s), and with Miles Davis' on his epochal Birth of the Cool, which gave the form its name.
Konitz has also been repeatedly noted as one of the few jazz saxophonists of the late 1940s and 1950s who did not seem imitative of the massively influential Charlie Parker.
In the early 1950s, Konitz recorded and toured with Stan Kenton's orchestra.
In 1961, he recorded Motion with Elvin Jones on drums and Sonny Dallas on bass. This spontaneous session, widely regarded as a classic in the cool genre, consisted entirely of standards. The loose trio format aptly featured Konitz's unorthodox phrasing and chromaticism.
In 1967, Konitz recorded The Lee Konitz Duets, a series of duets with various musicians. The duo configurations were often unusual for the period (saxophone and trombone, two saxophones). The recordings drew on very nearly the entire history of jazz, from a Louis Armstrong dixieland number with valve trombonist Marshall Brown to two completely free duos: one with a Duke Ellington associate, violinist Ray Nance, and one with guitarist Jim Hall.
Konitz was quite prolific, recording dozens of albums as a band leader. He also recorded and/or performed with Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Elvin Jones and others.
My Old Flame
Lee Konitz Lyrics
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How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame
For I haven't met a gent so magnificent or elegant as my old flame
I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
Until I discover what became of my old flame
I've met so many who had fascinating way
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame
The lyrics of Lee Konitz's song, My Old Flame, depict the nostalgic longing of a woman for a past love interest, whom she refers to as her old flame. She cannot remember his name, but she is haunted by the memories of their past together. The singer is wistful and reflective, as she compares her old flame to her new lovers, who all seem tame in comparison.
The lyrics also convey a sense of disappointment and disillusionment with her new relationships. Though she has met many individuals with fascinating ways, they are only imitations of her old flame, who she considers to be the most magnificent and elegant gentleman she has ever encountered. She is searching for a sense of closure, as she wonders what became of her old flame and how he may have impacted her life.
Line by Line Meaning
My old flame, I can't even think of his name but it's funny now and then
I can't recall the name of my past lover, but sometimes it's amusing that my thoughts still go back to him.
How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My memories tend to revisit the experiences I shared with my former partner.
My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame
Compared to my previous romance, I feel that my current affairs lack the same intensity and passion.
For I haven't met a gent so magnificent or elegant as my old flame
I have yet to meet someone as remarkable or refined as my ex-lover.
I've met so many who had fascinating ways
I have encountered several individuals who caught my attention because of their uniqueness.
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
Some of them had captivating looks, and a few even managed to make me feel happy and alive.
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
Despite their qualities, their love could not match the same level of depth and significance as my past relationship.
I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Even though I forget his name, he forever influenced and impacted me.
Until I discover what became of my old flame
I will constantly wonder what happened to him and how his life played out after we parted ways.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SAM COSLOW, ARTHUR JOHNSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheFunkyKingston
Superb.
Danielle Lamouri
Love this song ♥♥♥♥♥
TheFunkyKingston
Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond are so cool...!