Lee Konitz & Franco D'Andrea - My Funny Valentine: Inside Rodgers (1996) FLAC

Philology owner Paolo Piangiarelli makes the most of his studio time with artists the caliber of Lee Konitz and Franco D'Andrea. A March 1996 session yielded two full CDs. The first was Inside Cole Porter, and the second, this Richard Rodgers songbook. The cool-toned alto saxophonist's work with the Italian pianist is always a joy and full of surprises. Konitz begins "My Funny Valentine" with an intricate solo working around the bare edges of the chord changes before D'Andrea takes his turn reeling the piece back closer to its musical roots. "Lover" is played as rollicking upbeat waltz, while the playfulness of their interpretation of "This Can't Be Love" is very refreshing. This almost 73-minute CD should be considered essential by fans of Lee Konitz.

Review by Ken Dryden