Outra Vez

AMG Review of Outra Vez

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

This is one of a series of studio recordings made for Philology in the spring of 2001 featuring alto saxophonist Lee Konitz following similar sessions made the previous year for the label with Phil Woods. Singer Barbara Casini and guitarist Sandro Gibellini join Konitz for this all-Brazilian session. Casini's captivating vocals are the centerpiece of the CD, with Gibellini's effective accompaniment and numerous lovely solos by the leader. The play list includes songs by a wide variety of composers, including Jobim ("Outra Vez," "Al Quem Me Dera," and "Meditacao") and a number of writers whose songs are likely better known than their actual names to most jazz listeners. This low-key session by Konitz is one of his favorites of the many he has made for Philology, with good reason.