Lee Konitz & Franco D'Andrea - Inside Cole Porter (1996)

Altoist Lee Konitz and pianist Franco D'Andrea make an odd yet complementary couple on this duo set. Both players are relaxed and thoughtful in their improvising, base their solos throughout their explorations of Cole Porter songs as much on the melodies as on the chord changes, and leave plenty of space as they slowly develop their ideas. At first the effect is a bit jarring, as Konitz's melancholy flights compete with D'Andrea's sparse commentary. There are passages where the altoist plays alone for a bit (although never for a complete piece), yet the two musicians function very much as equals when performing together. Although there are sections where the ideas temporarily run short and there is some meandering, one or the other musician will suddenly come up with a new direction and the music picks up again. This is definitely a set that requires listeners to put away their preconceptions and accept the renditions of Cole Porter songs on the musicians' terms.

Review by Scott Yanow