Paul Desmond was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, born on November 25, 1924, in San Francisco, California, and passed away on May 30, 1977. He is best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing one of jazz's most enduring tunes, "Take Five." His playing was characterized by a light, lyrical tone and a remarkable melodic invention which has often been described as the sound of a "dry martini." Desmond's style was influenced by the smooth fluidity of players like Lester Young, and he developed an unparalleled ability to weave intricate patterns with a relaxed, seemingly effortless approach.

Desmond started his career in the swing era but truly flourished in the cool jazz movement, where his unique playing blossomed alongside pianist Dave Brubeck. Their collaboration yielded some of the most innovative and popular jazz recordings of the 1950s and 1960s, with the 1959 "Time Out" album being a landmark in modern jazz, partially thanks to Desmond's "Take Five." Beyond his work with Brubeck, Paul Desmond's solo career and collaborations were marked by a creative continuation of his signature style. Albums like "Desmond Blue," "Bossa Antigua," and "Pure Desmond" showcase his sophisticated, yet accessible approach to jazz. His posthumous releases, such as "Late Lament" and "Like Someone In Love (Live At The Bourbon Street Jazz Club, Toronto, Canada / March 29, 1975)," remain testaments to his enduring legacy in the canon of jazz music. Desmond was not only a preeminent artist of his time but also a significant influence on countless musicians who sought to emulate his cool and collected approach to improvisation and melody.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Cool Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Related Artists

Stan Getz

Chet Baker

Art Pepper

Dave Brubeck

Gerry Mulligan

Bill Evans

Lee Konitz

Cannonball Adderley

Sonny Rollins

Miles Davis

John Coltrane

Zoot Sims

Latest Release

Take Five

Elson Complex•

Paul Desmond

Single - Released March 4, 2022