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Lee Konitz

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American jazz saxophonist and composer (born October 13, 1927, Chicago, Illinois, USA; died April 15, 2020, Lenox Hill Hospital, Greenwich Village, New York City). Inspired by , Konitz began playing the clarinet aged 11 and studied with a member of the , switching to the tenor saxophone in 1942, then finally the alto. Began performing professionally with in 1945, with from 1947, but his most significant association was with pianist , whom he first met and worked with in 1946. He recorded with a nonet in 1949-50 (later collected as the "Birth of the Cool" album). Formed an association with another Tristano acolyte, , during the 1950s. Received Denmark's Jazzpar prize in 1992. Died from the the effects of the coronavirus and pneumonia.