Paul Desmond: Difference between revisions
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Desmond also collaborated with [[Gerry Mulligan]], [[Jim Hall (musician)|Jim Hall]], [[Ed Bickert]] and others over the years. After the break-up of the Brubeck quartet in [[1967]], he retired for a while, then began to resurface in occasional reunions with Brubeck, Mulligan, and Hall, in a Christmas concert with the [[Modern Jazz Quartet]] in [[1971]], and in other collaborations. His gift for improvised counterpoint is perhaps most notable on the two albums he recorded with Mulligan ("Mulligan-Desmond Quartet" and "Two of a Mind"). |
Desmond also collaborated with [[Gerry Mulligan]], [[Jim Hall (musician)|Jim Hall]], [[Ed Bickert]] and others over the years. After the break-up of the Brubeck quartet in [[1967]], he retired for a while, then began to resurface in occasional reunions with Brubeck, Mulligan, and Hall, in a Christmas concert with the [[Modern Jazz Quartet]] in [[1971]], and in other collaborations. His gift for improvised counterpoint is perhaps most notable on the two albums he recorded with Mulligan ("Mulligan-Desmond Quartet" and "Two of a Mind"). |
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In addition to his playing, he was known for his wit, as reflected in the liner notes for his solo albums, and as recollected by others. He was rumoured for several years to be writing an autobiography, but it never showed up. He died in 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of cancer caused by his smoking; he was ironically pleased by the condition of his liver as revealed during medical tests. "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. Awash in Dewars and full of health." His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in [[New York]]. His fans didn't know that he was already dying. |
In addition to his playing, he was known for his wit, as reflected in the liner notes for his solo albums, and as recollected by others. He was rumoured for several years to be writing an autobiography, but it never showed up. He died in 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of cancer caused by his smoking; he was ironically pleased by the condition of his liver as revealed during medical tests. "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. Awash in Dewars and full of health." His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in [[New York City]]. His fans didn't know that he was already dying. |
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Paul Desmond was actually born Paul Breitenfeld, but changed his name because he felt it wasn't suited to a musician. He had reportedly picked his new name, Desmond, out of a phone book. |
Paul Desmond was actually born Paul Breitenfeld, but changed his name because he felt it wasn't suited to a musician. He had reportedly picked his new name, Desmond, out of a phone book. |
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Revision as of 20:44, 30 June 2005
Paul Desmond (November 5, 1924 - May 30, 1977) came to prominence as the saxophone player of the Dave Brubeck quartet from 1951, when it was formed, until 1967. He even penned their biggest hit, "Take Five". Desmond's alto saxophone tone owed nothing to the great alto player of the time, Charlie Parker; instead it was a clear, light, floating sound which many tried unsuccessfully to imitate. He loved gentle ballads and would often float off into dreamy or syrupy solos (depending on point of view) until awakened by his bandmates. Much of the success of the classic Dave Brubeck quartet was due to the superposition of his light, airy style over Brubeck's relatively heavy polytonal piano work.
Desmond also collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall, Ed Bickert and others over the years. After the break-up of the Brubeck quartet in 1967, he retired for a while, then began to resurface in occasional reunions with Brubeck, Mulligan, and Hall, in a Christmas concert with the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1971, and in other collaborations. His gift for improvised counterpoint is perhaps most notable on the two albums he recorded with Mulligan ("Mulligan-Desmond Quartet" and "Two of a Mind").
In addition to his playing, he was known for his wit, as reflected in the liner notes for his solo albums, and as recollected by others. He was rumoured for several years to be writing an autobiography, but it never showed up. He died in 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of cancer caused by his smoking; he was ironically pleased by the condition of his liver as revealed during medical tests. "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. Awash in Dewars and full of health." His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in New York City. His fans didn't know that he was already dying.
Paul Desmond was actually born Paul Breitenfeld, but changed his name because he felt it wasn't suited to a musician. He had reportedly picked his new name, Desmond, out of a phone book.
Audio Clips
Listen to the head to "Take Five".
