Lennie Tristano - The Duos Sessions Lennie Tristano

According to Tom Lord's discography, Lennie Tristano's last recordings were made in Europe in 1965–66. However, the legendary pianist died in 1978, leaving an enormous musical gap to fill. Tristano declined offers to perform during the 1970s, explaining that he did not like to travel and had no interest in pursuing the concert schedule expected of career-minded musicians.

The new Dot Time Records release, The Duos Sessions, not only fills that gap but also presents a remarkable collection of previously unheard music from the immortal pianist. It brings together three privately recorded duo sessions, spanning 1967–1976, and lasting over 70 minutes.

The first six tracks, recorded on 15 October 1970, feature Tristano in duet with tenor saxophonist Lenny Popkin, who worked with Eddie Gomez and, more recently, with Tristano's daughter, drummer Carol Tristano, who also contributes the liner notes for this release.

The collection continues with two free improvisations recorded in 1976 as piano duets with Connie Crothers, who also recorded a duet album with Tristano's guitarist son, Bud Tristano. The final eight performances pair Tristano with drummer Roger Mancuso, another frequent collaborator of Crothers.