On March 26-28, 2018, Lee Kontiz was in Almeria, Spain, on a limited 12-day tour of Europe. He was 90 and starting to feel the effects of his age and fatigue. But that didn't stop him. Like all great artists, Lee was determined to power through and create and explore until the very end, leaning into life's winds.
In Spain, Lee spent time at the residence of the Valparaíso Foundation in Mojácar. While he was there, Manuel Rubio filmed a 34-minute documentary while Lee played with Marco Mezquida (p), Bori Albero (b) and Ramon Prats (d). What we see and hear is a jazz lion in winter, struggling to get his hands and mouth to play what he's thinking and remain relevant. A fascinating film. Lee died in April 2020 after contracting Covid-19.
Here's Lee Konitz in Spain...
In Spain, Lee spent time at the residence of the Valparaíso Foundation in Mojácar. While he was there, Manuel Rubio filmed a 34-minute documentary while Lee played with Marco Mezquida (p), Bori Albero (b) and Ramon Prats (d). What we see and hear is a jazz lion in winter, struggling to get his hands and mouth to play what he's thinking and remain relevant. A fascinating film. Lee died in April 2020 after contracting Covid-19.
Here's Lee Konitz in Spain...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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