Is Another Shade of Blue a good place to start with Lee Konitz?

Yes, Another Shade of Blue is recommended as a starting point for new Lee Konitz listeners. A serene exploration of jazz standards, blending intricate saxophone melodies with lush harmonies and subtle improvisation. When 'Another Shade of Blue' was released in 1999, Lee Konitz was an established figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative work since the late 1940s. This album represents a reflective period in his career, showcasing his continued evolution while maintaining a strong connection to jazz traditions.

Who is Another Shade of Blue for?

Another Shade of Blue works well if you're into long-form reflective listening experience, gradual build to emotional resolution and deep improvisation for focused attention.

How many songs are on Another Shade of Blue?

Another Shade of Blue has 5 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Another Shade of Blue

Lee Konitz · 1999

67 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A serene exploration of jazz standards, blending intricate saxophone melodies with lush harmonies and subtle improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Another Shade of Blue Start here — The title track is notable for its lengthy improvisational dialogue between Konitz's saxophone and the piano, setting the tone for the album's exploration of mood and texture.
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Body and Soul — This rendition revitalizes the timeless standard with Konitz's lyrical phrasing, offering a deep emotional resonance that highlights his unique interpretive style.
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Everything Happens to Me — Konitz's interpretation of this classic combines introspective melancholy with sophisticated melodic variations, showcasing his ability to navigate complex harmonic landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and cohesive arrangements, making it a solid entry in Konitz's discography.

What we noticed

Konitz's saxophone melodies are often accompanied by a soft piano and bass, creating a serene atmosphere throughout.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, allowing for intricate melodic development without abrupt tempo changes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long-form reflective listening experience
gradual build to emotional resolution
deep improvisation for focused attention
contemplative moments for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic achievement in Konitz's reflective period.
Themes: jazz standards revival· introspective melodies· improvisational dialogue
Career context: When 'Another Shade of Blue' was released in 1999, Lee Konitz was an established figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative work since the late 1940s. This album represents a reflective period in his career, showcasing his continued evolution while maintaining a strong connection to jazz traditions.
Stylistic neighbors: Paul Desmond· Stan Getz· Ornette Coleman