Motion is an album by jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz, recorded in 1961 for Verve Records. It features drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Sonny Dallas. It is regarded by many as Konitz's finest album.Liner notes to 2003 CD Reissue The 1990 CD issue expanded the number of tracks from five to eight; a 1998 release then expanded this to 38, although most of the additional tracks were from different recording sessions with drummer Nick Stabulas instead of Elvin Jones.Yanow, Scott (2003) "Jazz on Record: The First Sixty Years" Backbeat Books, p. 591.
Music The album consists of performances of five standards, although "the heads when they are stated at all are for the most part fragmentary and more alluded to than stated". On the first track, "I Remember You", Dallas' bass lines provide the song's structure, while Konitz' phrasing, across bar lines and behind the beat, and Jones' drumming are subtly phrased. "Foolin' Myself" has some role-reversal, with Konitz providing harmonic support for Dallas' soloing.Liebman, David "Unknown treasures – Lee Konitz' Motion" David Liebman, on his official website.
Critical reception
The Penguin Guide to Jazz gives the album a four-star rating plus a special "crown" accolade and includes it as part of a selected "Core Collection", stating that it is "one of the great modern jazz records".
Track listing "I Remember You" (Victor Schertzinger, Johnny Mercer) – 4:30 "All of Me" (Gerald Marks, Seymour Simons) – 7:41 "Foolin' Myself" (Jack Lawrence, Peter Tinturin) – 7:01 "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (Cole Porter) – 10:45 "I'll Remember April" (Gene DePaul, Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) – 8:01
Personnel Lee Konitz – alto saxophone Sonny Dallas – bass Elvin Jones – drums Technical Pete Turner – photography
References