Dave Brubeck. Desmond was torn for a time between a career as a writer and one as a musician. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his well-known composition "Take Five." He met Brubeck in the late '40s and played with his Octet. In contrast, Brubeck was deeply religious and a stalwart family man.[7]. Although this book is out of print, there are occasionally copies available in the used book ads, some priced at $100 or more. He began by playing clarinet in high school and was tutored in music theory by his father, a theater organist and arranger. Much of the success of the classic Brubeck quartet was due to the juxtaposition of his airy style over Brubeck's sometimes relatively heavy, polytonal piano work.[14]. Observers noted that he seemed out of shape, needing 2 or 3 breaths to complete a phrase that he usually did with one great gasp. - Paul Desmond. An introvert whose literary ambitions found some expression in his bright and funny album liner notes, Desmond, who died of lung cancer in 1977 at 52, became famous in the 1950s with the hugely. All Rights Reserved Doug Ramsey. The groups popularity had spread via college campuses, but a Time magazine article featuring Brubeck brought them international attention in 1954, the same year that Paul recorded his first album as a leader, The Paul Desmond Quintet - Desmond. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his well-known composition "Take Five." It's so smooth and yet it's uncommon.If I ever decide I need another name, it's going to be Desmond. At first glance, his seems a small, perhaps insignificant, career. Alto Saxophonist, Composer. [11] Desmond is reported to have quipped, upon seeing a former girlfriend on the street, "There she goes, not with a whim but a banker" (a semi-Spoonerism reference to T.S. Articles But through their years together Desmond remained remarkably loyal to his partner, "There's certainly nobody else with whom I would have stuck around this long." Jazz Goes to College , Columbia, 1954. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the cool jazz scene. He fronted a quartet featuring guitarist Jim Hall for two weeks at the "Half Note" in New York City, and broke their attendance record. And Dave said, "Well let's run it through." As a child, he often played the violin (even though his father forbade him to do so), and the age of twelve, he would start studying the clarinet at San Franciscos Polytechnic High School. [2] However, Fred Barton, songwriter/arranger and Desmond's cousin, found extensive genealogical proof that both the Breitenfeld and Lwy families were Bohemian Jews. [8], After drummer Joe Dodge decided to leave the group, Joe Morello joined in late 1956 with Desmond's recommendation. They made two studio albums together (Gerry Mulligan - Paul Desmond Quartet (1957), and Two of a Mind (1962)). Pristine, perfect. Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world? After Morello's complex rhythm, Desmond would play even quieter and even dropped for a few bars. Desmonds childhood was problematic as his parents had a somewhat unhealthy relationship. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the West Coast's . a question invariably asked by airline stewardesses. With a style that was similar to that of Lee Konitz, one of his influences, he quickly became one of the best-known saxophonists from the West Coast's cool school of jazz. Unlike Brubeck, Mulligan shared much in common with Desmond, such as similar interests and humor, and both men had no shortage of addictions in their lives. Supplement 1, pp. Paul Desmond Follow Artist + The quintessential cool jazz saxophonist, an alto with a shimmering sound and light, airy playing exemplified by his self-written "Take Five." Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Album Highlights Paul Desmond / Gerry Mu Two of a Mind Paul Desmond Permission & contact information, Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, Paul Desmond - Standard Time (Artist Transcriptions), DownBeat - The Great Jazz Interviews (A 75th Anniversary Anthology) (Book), Joe Williams, Dave Brubeck, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Joshua Redman, Monterey Jazz Festival: 40 Legendary Years, The Complete Oberlin & College of the Pacific Concerts. Desmond produced a light, melodic tone on the alto saxophone, trying to sound, he said, "like a dry martini." I shudder to think how close we came to not using that, because I said "Well I got this theme that we could use for a middle part". By the time he reached college, he started playing the Alto Saxophone, which later became his most preferred instrument. He was very easy, because harmonically there was a real clear logic in everything he played musically. - Dave Brubeck. Paul Desmond | American musician | Britannica Paul Desmond - Wikipedia Paul Desmond and members of his father's family "frequently speculated as to whether or not Sigmund or Hermine Breitenfeld had Jewish backgrounds", but they did not identify as Jewish, or observe Jewish traditions. Overview For several weeks, he led a small jazz combo at the Band Box in Redwood City that included Dave Brubeck. It was a sound that made him a favourite with critics and fans alike, and won him jazz poll after jazz poll. - Downbeat Magazine, July, 2005an invaluable addition to jazz literature. Paul Emil Breitenfeld was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. A master of the alto saxophone as well as a consummate composer and musician, Desmond was a pivotal figure on the West Coast cool jazz scene. All About Jazz musician pages are maintained by musicians, publicists and trusted members like you. Paul Desmond Discography He served a three-year term in the United States Army. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. It was really easy to play." Jazz at the College of the Pacific, Volume 2, Anything Goes! [4] During Brubeck's Two Generations tours, Desmond and Mulligan shared the stage in 1974. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. After years of chain smoking and poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 after a tour with Brubeck. He was an eminent member of the highly renowned Dave Brubeck Quartet, and he earned a reputation as one of West Coast's best jazz saxophonists. Paul Desmonds mothers name is unknown at this time and his fathers name is under review. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. Desmond's grudge against Morello could also be heard during their performance. When pushed musically he rose to the occasion, turning out chorus after brilliant chorus. Other articles where Paul Desmond is discussed: Dave Brubeck: the addition of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Desmond was a heavy smoker, several packs a day, as well as a drinker who could play well while "in his cups." Lung cancer accounted for his decline and death at age 52. All rights reserved. Also learn how He earned most of Paul Desmond networth? Desmond offered to perform arranging and administrative work for Brubeck's band, and to babysit Brubeck's children, and Brubeck finally relented and agreed to try working with Desmond again.[4]. He was an eminent member of the highly renowned Dave Brubeck Quartet, and he earned a reputation as one of West Coasts best jazz saxophonists.

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