Lennie Tristano

This anthology combines two major Lennie Tristano albums, Lennie Tristano and The New Tristano; the first nine cuts were done in 1955 and include two trio and two solo numbers, plus five quartet pieces. The quartet tunes include alto saxophonist Lee Konitz and drummer Art Taylor. Tristano's piano solos are more challenging and ambitious on the disc's other six numbers, however; these are unaccompanied solo works recorded between 1960 and 1962, all except "You Don't Know What Love Is" Tristano originals. The variety and sheer amount of ideas, plus the facility of the lines and the overall performances, are impressive. Only the absence of the cut "C Minor Complex" (explained by time restrictions) mars things slightly, but this is a superb presentation of Lennie Tristano's work. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide