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Paul Desmond

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Paul Desmond, born Paul Emil Breitenfeld, was an American alto saxophonist and composer, born in 1924 in San Francisco. He was one of the most important figures of Cool Jazz and one of the best-known saxophonists of West Coast jazz.

Music and breakthrough

From 1951 until the end of 1967 Desmond played in the Dave Brubeck Quartet. For that group he wrote Take Five, which appeared in 1959 on the album Time Out. The piece is in 5/4 time, unusual for jazz at the time, and became the best-selling jazz track ever. Desmond stipulated in his will that the proceeds should go to the Red Cross. In the quartet, his light, airy saxophone formed a contrast with the heavier piano playing of Brubeck, who often used several keys at once.

Influence

Desmond himself said that he wanted to sound like a dry martini: clear, light and without unnecessary ornament. His improvisations are praised for their logical construction and their singing quality, and he was known for his high notes. Outside Brubeck he made two albums with the baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, Blues in Time (1957) and Two of a Mind (1962), and worked a great deal with the guitarist Jim Hall. He also played with Chet Baker. Albums under his own name include Desmond Blue, Take Ten and Pure Desmond. Desmond smoked heavily and died in 1977 in New York of lung cancer, shortly after his last concert with Brubeck.

Listening

Listening tip. In Take Five, listen to Brubeck's piano figure, which keeps marking the five beats of the bar: try to count along to five. Then notice Desmond's alto sax: light, clear and without excessive vibrato, exactly the dry sound he was after.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsCool Jazz and modal jazzWest Coast jazz