Ever since he first emerged in Claude Thornhill’s orchestra in 1946, altoist Lee Konitz has been a major jazz improviser.

During a period when nearly every young saxophonist sounded like a relative of Charlie Parker’s, Konitz developed his own cool-toned sound; while he has continued to evolve ever since, his playing over 70 years later was still distinctive, personal, and open to new ideas.

Here is Lee Konitz during a performance from Nov. 19, 2014 performing a relaxed but explorative version of “How Deep Is The Ocean” with pianist Tomas Rueckert.(who also takes an inventive solo), bassist Jeremy Stratton and drummer George Schuller.

-Scott Yanow