© -Steven
Cerra , copyright protected; all rights reserved.
Alto saxophonist
Paul Desmond died on Memorial Day, 1977.
On this Memorial
Day weekend, the editorial staff at JazzProfiles thought it might be
appropriate to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Paul’s passing
with the following videos that feature his superbly unique alto playing in
different musical contexts.
To ours ears,
Paul’s sound is associated with everything that we find beautiful in the
music. His was a masterful command of
the alto saxophone and his conception took the instrument to new heights, both
figuratively and literally.
Paul’s music was
like a good book: you could put it down and pick it up again anytime the mood
suited you or you could stay up all night reading it. It was full of melodic
“stories,” humor, and great depth of feeling.
Listening to Paul
play was always a satisfying experience; and like the reading of that good
book, one generally came away wanting more.
Stardust – Paul with pianist Dave Brubeck, bassist Ron Crotty and drummer
Joe Dodge.
You Go To My Head – Paul with Don Elliott on trumpet and
mellophonium, Norman Bates on bass and Joe Dodge on drums.
Chorale – Paul with Dave van Kriedt on tenor saxophone, Dave Brubeck on piano, Norman Bates on bass and
Joe Morello on drums.
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Paul with Jim Hall on guitar, Milt Hinton
on bass, Robert Thomas on drums and strings and horns arranged by Bob Prince.
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