Is Motion a good place to start with Lee Konitz?

Yes, Motion is recommended as a starting point for new Lee Konitz listeners. A lyrical exploration of jazz standards featuring fluid saxophone lines and subtle rhythmic interplay that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Released in 1961, Motion was Lee Konitz's follow-up to his acclaimed album 'Inside Hi-Fi' from 1959. At this point in his career, Konitz was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the cool jazz movement, showcasing his innovative approach to improvisation with a focus on melodic interpretation.

Motion works well if you're into steady pacing for deep focus, contemplative melodies for introspection and gradual build to reflective closure.

How many songs are on Motion?

Motion has 5 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Motion

Lee Konitz · 1961

38 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A lyrical exploration of jazz standards featuring fluid saxophone lines and subtle rhythmic interplay that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Remember You Start here — This opening track features a tender saxophone melody that establishes the album's reflective mood, showcasing Konitz's ability to infuse emotion into classic standards.
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All of Me — Konitz's interpretation offers a fresh take on this well-known standard, blending intricate phrasing with emotive playing that highlights his improvisational prowess.
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You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To — With its extended length, this track allows Konitz to explore complex melodic variations while maintaining a conversational tone with the rhythm section, exemplifying the essence of jazz dialogue.

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 fluid improvisation and a cohesive sound, marking it as a strong entry in Konitz's discography.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, with the saxophone often taking the lead while the rhythm section provides subtle support.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel, with no abrupt tempo changes throughout its five tracks.
Konitz's phrasing is fluid and lyrical, often weaving in and out of the harmonic structure rather than strictly adhering to it.

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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady pacing for deep focus
contemplative melodies for introspection
gradual build to reflective closure
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Konitz's reputation as a leading figure in cool jazz.
Themes: cool jazz movement· nostalgic saxophone melodies· intimate jazz dialogue
Career context: Released in 1961, Motion was Lee Konitz's follow-up to his acclaimed album 'Inside Hi-Fi' from 1959. At this point in his career, Konitz was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the cool jazz movement, showcasing his innovative approach to improvisation with a focus on melodic interpretation.
Stylistic neighbors: Paul Desmond· Stan Getz· Ornette Coleman