The Dave Brubeck Quartet played until 1967, when Brubeck switched his musical focus from performance to composition and dissolved the group. "@type": "Person", Baker and Desmond also appeared together on two tracks included on Jim Hall's 1975 Concierto album. Overview He appeared with Dave Brubeck in a series of concerts called "Two Generations of Brubeck" in which Dave played with his musical sons, and in 1976, the Quartet reunited for the Silver Anniversary Tour. But usually they end up marrying some cat with a factory. In 1951 Desmond joined what was to become one of the most famous groups in jazz, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. "Take Five" is a jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond. While in high school, Desmond wished to study the violin, but his father dissuaded him, saying that violin players were "a dime a dozen.with the violin, you'll starve. We have estimated I've never seen a biography like it. - Gene Lees, Editor of "The Jazz Letter"This is the finest biography we've had of an important jazz figure. - Dan Morgenstern (Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies), LEARNTimelineBrubeck BooksAbout Dave BrubeckBrubeck Living Legacy, LISTENLullabiesJazz WorksCompositionsTime OutTakes, CONNECTContact Find EventsDave Brubeck 100. He is not dating anyone. Desmond meanwhile was gaining a reputation for his "original, intensely personal style." Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. People of this zodiac sign like freedom, travel, philosophy, being outdoors and dislike clingy people, constrained, off-the-wall theories. Playing with him, you really couldn't go wrong. They had four children (including Emil, father of Paul Emil). He frequently played in Toronto, Canada, leading a quartet that included guitarist Ed Bickert, bassist Don Thompson, and drummer Jerry Fuller. But it was his simpatico partnership with the formally-trained pianist Dave Brubeck that rocketed him to fame on the concert stages of the world. He died on May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. Jim Hall talked him into coming to Toronto to play with Canada's premier jazz guitarist Ed Bickert. 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. Desmond hoped for a "tinky-boom" background-type drummer while Morello wanted to be recognized and featured. Although this book is out of print, there are occasionally copies available in the used book ads, some priced at $100 or more. Jazz at Oberlin , Fantasy, 1953. Paul Desmond's net worth Born : November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. Discography 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 Discography And that's what made "Take Five". Paul Desmond is widely recognized for his genius as a melodic improviser and as the benchmark of cool jazz sax players. Twenty years after his death from cancer, his music still sells, is still played, and still moves people. This is a jazz music websitespammers will be deleted. The co-author of that enduring hit, "Take Five," was the band's alto sax player, Paul Desmond, who is now the subject of a lavish, beautifully produced, large-format biography by Doug Ramsey called Take Five (Parkside Publications, $44.95). Updates? Desmond who had studied creative writing and loved the "concept" of being a writer never got around to it. All rights reserved. "I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness." Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. Awash in Dewars and full of health." Doug Ramsey. Desmond also joined the Modern Jazz Quartet for a Christmas concert in 1971 at the New York Town Hall.[4]. I knew Paul Desmond, but I found so much more I did not know. - Nat Hentoff, noted critic and jazz writerThe detail of the research is astonishing. His mother had some psychological issues such that Paul was sent off to live with relatives from elementary school age until his late teens. The harmony was always right, the melodies were always right. 19-45 Published by: Sage Publications, Inc. Born 30 August 1927 in Los Angeles. 1 (Oct., 2001), pp. The decade was one of learning and exploration. In his playing Desmond was also notable for his ability to produce extremely high notes, the altissimo register, on his saxophone. According to our Database, He has no children. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at These illustrations made him a major influence on the image of urban males in twentieth-century America. Paul Desmond was a Sagittarius and was born in the G.I. Paul Desmonds income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Omissions? | He stood in silent vigil at Desmond's bedside. At first glance, his seems a small, perhaps insignificant, career. With his special brand of humor, Desmond said that he took the job only because he was nearby and could tumble out of bed to work. Desmond was also credited as the lead songwriter for the Quartets most famous composition, Take Five. Wild, subtle, delicate. Within several months they attained a measure of national fame, largely by word of mouth among West Coast critics who championed the groups innovations. 1" // "How Long, Baby How Long, Pt. 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 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. I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness. Paul Desmond. Paul Desmond - Biography. Paul Desmond was born in San Francisco. Eliot's "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper"). 2" [78rpm 10" disc], "The Man I Love" // "Down In Honkytonk Town" [78rpm 10" disc], This page was last edited on 10 March 2023, at 12:58. JUMP TO: Paul Desmonds biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. We will continue to update information on Paul Desmonds parents. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. His time was amazing. He blew on a couple of albums with his old friend Chet Baker. - Paul Desmond. His warm, elegant tone was one that he admittedly tried to make sound like a dry martini. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). : same personnel. No wonder that articles started appearing questioning the basis of the Desmond-Brubeck collaboration. On the first page of the set's notes, we are informed that Toronto bassist and recording engineer Don Thompson recorded Desmond's quartet in March . Also learn how He earned most of Paul Desmond networth? [1] In 1950 Desmond joined the band of Jack Fina and toured with Fina for several months, but he returned to California after hearing Brubeck's trio on the radio and deciding that he should repair his relationship with Brubeck and attempt to join Brubeck's increasingly successful band. He began by playing clarinet in high school and was tutored in music theory by his father, a theater organist and arranger. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at. But that that was when he was playing great. During the 1970s Desmond joined Brubeck for several reunion tours, including "Two Generations of Brubeck". The Dave Brubeck Quartet 25th Anniversary Reunion , A&M, 1976. And the thing that makes "Take Five" work is the bridge, which we almost didn't use. Bookstore Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond is the story of a jazz artist who transcended genres to establish one of the most immediately recognizable sounds in all of music. About, Paul Desmond had a sound on alto saxophone that remains highly recognizable. - Paul deBarros, Seattle Times"Rarely in the annals of jazz biography has a subject's career been documented so thoroughly a monumental work." Biographies Yet with different musical aspiration and taste, their relationship was full of tension. Desmond produced a light, melodic tone on the alto saxophone, trying to sound, he said, "like a dry martini." The quartet became especially popular with college-age audiences, often performing in college settings, including their ground-breaking 1953 album Jazz at Oberlin at Oberlin College and at the campuses of Ohio University and the University of Michigan. But he had really great time feel, he really did swing beautifully. Once more details are available, we will update this section. In 1959 their Time Out album, which experimented with time signatures, was an enormous hit, and Take Five, written by Desmond in 5/4 time, was the first jazz instrumental to sell over a million singles. "Doug Ramsey's Take Five is an invaluable addition to jazz literatureby an especially enduring writer on the music. It comprises seven discs of live recordings from iconic alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and his quartet across 11 nights at Toronto's Bourbon Street: four in March 1975 and seven in October. Pauls education details are not available at this time. Desmond's mother, born Shirley King, was of an Irish Catholic family. [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. 23, No. Playing with Desmond and Mulligan was really mind-blowing because they were such heroes for me. His ambition, he said, was to sound like a dry martini. Although this book is out of print, there are occasionally copies available in the used book ads, some priced at $100 or more. Desmond worked several times during his career with baritone saxophonist and band leader Gerry Mulligan. Paul Emil Breitenfeld is part of G.I. 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. The Dave Brubeck Quartet Plays Cole Porter, We're All Together Again for the First Time, The Complete 1975 Toronto Recordings- 7 CD box, "Desmond Vs. Desmond was a guest artist on five tracks by Chet Baker recorded between 1975 and 1977. But his best work of the period was a happy collaboration with three Toronto musicians. And when it came time for the encore, because the whole audience wanted Paul back onstage he said the old cliche "Leave em wanting more." Standards such as "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "For All We Know" shared album space with Desmond originals like "Take Ten", and "El Prince". It issaid that when Desmond started work in California at the Bandbox, Desmond hired Brubeck; only to first cut his pay in half and then fire him after taking him on tour just so that he (Desmond) could gamble in the casinos at Reno. He was 43 years old, and he didn't play his horn again for three years. Desmond's recordings for RCA have gotten box-set treatment and Mosaic issued one of the complete sessions with Hall. 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." Their uncanny rapport and ability to interact kept the music exciting and fresh. 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. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his well-known composition "Take Five." When pushed musically he rose to the occasion, turning out chorus after brilliant chorus. Whereas, Brubeck was a dedicated family man, Desmond was a very private person. The rest of the Time Series albums were released between 1961 and 1963. The quintessential cool jazz saxophonist, an alto with a shimmering sound and light, airy playing exemplified by his self-written "Take Five. He is a profoundly beautiful player." And I figure that it's a dumb move to trade a fairly secure place in the world of jazz for Number 493 Unemployed Humorist. He is from USA. "[1], Desmond was married from 1947 to 1949 to Duane Reeves Lamon. In one Down Beat review he was described as "oftimes loud and pounding and seemingly at a loss for melodic ideas." Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Never without his humor, after he was diagnosed with cancer he expressed pleasure at the health of his liver. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. Jazz musician and songwriter who played alto saxophone for the Dave Brubeck Quartet and penned the group's 1959 hit song "Take Five." He was a prominent member of the post-World War II "cool jazz" movement. Genres MusicBiographyJazzHistory 370 pages, Unknown Binding When the Quartet split in 1967, Desmond began an intermittent yet satisfying recording career. He was a modest, retiring man, known to his friends for his wit and charm. [15] His gift for improvised counterpoint is perhaps most evident on his two albums with baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan (Mulligan-Desmond Quartet and Two of a Mind). Please check back soon for updates. Desmond spent the remainder of his life playing with many different artists and composers. Born in San Francisco in 1924, Desmond was one of the leading proponents of the West Coast "cool" style. He spent three years in the military, but his unit was not called to combat. That RCA deal called for two albums a year and led to an incredible series of recording dates with guitarist Jim Hall, and the Modern Jazz Quartet drummer Connie Kay. Desmond's grudge against Morello could also be heard during their performance. } Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. JazzStandards.com - All Rights Reserved Paul Desmond was born on 25 November 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. He died on 30 May 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. I was ready to trade the entire rights, lifetime-wise of "Take Five" for a used Ronson electric razor. After some time spent inactive, Desmond was asked to play the Half Note in New York City in 1971 by Hall. After Desmond convinced Brubeck to hire him following his stint with Jack Fina, the two had a contract drafted (of which Brubeck was the sole signatory); the language forbade Brubeck from firing him, ensured Brubeck's status as group leader, and gave Desmond twenty percent of all profits generated from the quartet. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you. It's so smooth and yet it's uncommon.If I ever decide I need another name, it's going to be Desmond. | Title: Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond Author: Doug Ramsey, Foreword by Dave and Iola BrubeckPublished: February 2005, Parkside Publications, Inc.Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. Despite his many friends, Gene Lees wrote that Desmond was the "loneliest man" he ever knew. He is currently single. Desmond died on May 30, 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of lung cancer, the result of his longtime heavy smoking. At first the Quartet spent time touring colleges with Desmond on the Alto Saxophone, and in 1953, they released their debut album titled Jazz at Oberlin, which was a live recording of their performances at Oberlin College. information, Home | Copyright 2005-2022 - JazzStandards.com They made two studio albums together (Gerry Mulligan - Paul Desmond Quartet (1957), and Two of a Mind (1962)). He and Art Pepper were virtually the only alto players of their generation not directly influenced by Charlie Parker. Paul Desmond was revered for the pure, gentle tone of his alto saxophone, and the elegant lyricism of his improvisations. Desmond was cremated and his ashes were scattered. Most readers likely are familiar with that musical combination and recordings. Theirs was a musical rapport that Desmond described as "kind of scary.". Discover Paul Desmond's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. He worked occasionally for Dave Brubeck at the Geary Cellar in San Francisco. Accompanying them were Brubeck's sons Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck and Darius Brubeck. At 53 years old, Paul Desmond height not available right now. Desmond was also drafted into the army for three years due to World War II, however, his unit was never called up to the front lines. In their private lives Dave Brubeck and his family were very close to Paul Desmond, though the two men possessed very different personalities. I read that the electronic version is available for around $15. Born in San Francisco in 1924, Desmond was one of the leading proponents of the West Coast "cool" style. As a child, he played the violin and the clarinet. Played with the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1951 until 1967. For example, many of his acquaintances never knew that hed been previously married. | Desmond met Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert through a recommendation by Jim Hall, and Desmond performed with Bickert at several clubs in the Toronto area during 19741975. The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. Search - Paul Desmond. Jazz at Oberlin and Take Five were considered essential purchases by college students of the era, but Jazz Impressions of Japan was its most innovative recording. Desmond's improvisation is praised for its logical structure and lyricism. Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, an arch rival in various jazz polls said, "I believe that Paul Desmond shares with Benny Carter the title of most lyrical altoist. Paul Desmonds mothers name is unknown at this time and his fathers name is under review. This page is updated often with new details about Paul Desmond. When is Paul Desmonds birthday? "[1] Desmond developed a talent for writing during high school as well, becoming co-editor of his high school newspaper. Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld in San Francisco, California, in 1924, the son of Shirley (ne King) and Emil Aron Breitenfeld. Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, October 8, 1954. [13] Desmond reportedly owned a Baldwin grand piano, which he lent to Bradley Cunningham, owner of Bradley's piano bar in Greenwich Village, provided that Cunningham move the large piano back to Desmond's Upper West Side apartment to become part of Desmond's estate. --publisher. Long before his success as the alto saxophonist with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, decades before he wrote "Take Five," Desmond determined that he would be himself, never a disciple or an imitator, whatever the cost. Though various critics credited the success of the Dave Brubeck Quartet to Desmond's horn, others over-looked his playing as "too pretty". He did however, play one last concert with Brubeck in February 1977. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. He served a three-year term in the United States Army. As guest soloist he ventured out with the Modern Jazz Quartet for a 1971 Christmas concert. Desmond met Dave Brubeck in 1944 in the military. Stbere im grten eBookstore der Welt und lies noch heute im Web, auf deinem Tablet, Telefon oder E-Reader. There were no children by that marriage and long thereafter Desmond was the man-about-town with multiple romances, some serious and some extremely casual. "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/Paul-Desmond-200-2017.jpg", When pianist Marian McPartland asked him about his dates he punned, "Sometimes they go around with guys who are scuffling for a while. For seventeen years he was the lead soloist in the most commercially successful jazz combo ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. I knew Paul Desmond, but I found so much more I did not know."Nat Hentoff, author of American . [2] However, Fred Barton, songwriter/arranger and Desmond's cousin, found extensive genealogical proof that both the Breitenfeld and Lwy families were Bohemian Jews. They were greeted with enthusiasm wherever they played until the deteriorating eyesight of drummer Joe Morello cut short the tour. To me his lyricism has never been equalled, as far as logic and lyricism combined, because there's always a strand going back some place in his melodies, and in his choruses that shows a great intellect combined with a great emotionalism, and usually you don't find the two things in one person. 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 Credits (1-1,530 of 1,530) Desmond played his loping, slow, ordered, and intricate solos in direct contrast to the pianist's obsession with large chords, creating a myriad of textures for melodic and rhythmic counterpoint unlike any heard in jazz. | In an era that worshipped the frenetic, bebop style of Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond found his own sound, a tone that he claimed imitated a "dry martini." Generation. Songs | Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. The Quartet was extremely successful for their Time Series, which was a series of five albums that featured songs in irregular, unusual time signatures such as 5/4 and 9/8. Desmond began to study the clarinet at the age of twelve, which he continued while at San Francisco Polytechnic High School. Nationality: American Paul Desmond was born on the 25th of November, 1924. Desmond specified in his will that all proceeds from "Take Five" would go to the Red Cross following his death. 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". Paul Desmond discography and songs: Music profile for Paul Desmond, born 25 November 1924. The greatest overall compatibility with Sagittarius is Gemini and Aries. At that time, he began playing the alto saxophone, after being influenced by the likes of Lester Young and Charlie Parker. He learned to play the alto saxophone during his first year at San Francisco State College. : Paul Emil Breitenfeld : American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). Jim Hall Show less, Paul Desmond & His Canadians, The Complete Set At Last, More From The Late Ed Bickert With Paul Desmond, Instrument: Saxophone, alto Tell us why you would like to improve the Paul Desmond musician page. Jazz musician and songwriter who played alto saxophone for the Dave Brubeck Quartet and penned the groups 1959 hit song Take Five. He was a prominent member of the post-World War II cool jazz movement. Pristine, perfect. Unlike some biographies which merely rehash each recording, Ramsey does a great job weaving the diverse strands of Desmond's personal life with his music making. yuma mayor political party, william sokol national security advisor resigns, bone spicules after tooth extraction,

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paul desmond biography

paul desmond biography

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