Lee Konitz dies aged 92

Saxophonist Lee Konitz has passed away at the age of 92, following complications after having contracted COVID-19, his son Josh has confirmed.

Konitz is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern improvisers and alto saxohopnist soloists after Charlie Parker.

Born in Chicago in 1927, Konitz was inspired by the swinging big bands growing up of figures like Benny Goodman.

He found notable and early success after meeting pianist Lennie Tristano in 1946, with whom he worked with until 1963. Konitz went onto feature on Miles Davis's Birth of the Cool compilation which was recorded in 1949 and 1950 and later released through Capitol Records in 1957.

Throughout his career, Konitz was renowned for being a deep and creative improviser. His freedom of spirit meant he amassed one of the biggest discography listings in jazz history over his 70 year career, having worked with Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, Gerry Mulligan, Max Roach and Chick Corea, to name a few.