paul desmond biography

Looking up, he searched his memory, trying to make sense of the image looming before him. Tell us why you would like to improve the Paul Desmond musician page. He is also well-known for his over three decades of illustrations for Brooks Brothers catalogs including more than one-thousand drawings. But he was also a moody man. When pushed musically he rose to the occasion, turning out chorus after brilliant chorus. Played with the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1951 until 1967. JJM Strack said that Desmond's two influences were most likely Lester Young for his soft palette, and Artie Shaw for his lyricism. His time was amazing. Desmond made the move from the San Francisco area to New York where he spent his remaining years. 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. In one Down Beat review he was described as "oftimes loud and pounding and seemingly at a loss for melodic ideas." After World War II, Desmond started working in the San Francisco Bay Area, working as a backing musician. 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. | Desmond spent the remainder of his life playing with many different artists and composers. Ruling Planet: Paul Desmond had a ruling planet of Jupiter and has a ruling planet of Jupiter and by astrological associations Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. 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. Desmond featured Bickert on his 1975 studio album Pure Desmond, and the two played together at the 1976 Edmonton Jazz Festival. "@type": "Person", Some people called him the stork'Cause he would stand on one leg and leaned on the piano. And the thing that makes "Take Five" work is the bridge, which we almost didn't use. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. For seventeen years he was the lead soloist in the most commercially successful jazz combo ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Desmond resented this, and threatened to leave the group. Paul Desmond (Paul Emil Breitenfeld) was born on 25 November, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA, is a Soundtrack, Music Department. We will continue to update information on Paul Desmonds parents. Desmond's melodic solos were in marked contrast to the polytonal rhythms of Brubeck, but somehow they clicked and drove each other to greatness. Much to his own amusement his liver was fine, "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. is military terminology referring to "Government Issue" or "General Issue". At 53 years old, Paul Desmond height not available right now. There was an early marriage for Desmond but for various reasons, it didnt work out. Most readers likely are familiar with that musical combination and recordings. [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. : Paul Emil Breitenfeld : American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). Hall played on several albums recorded by Desmond between 1959 and 1963 for Warner Bros. and RCA Victor. Basically, Paul was a clarinet player for many years, but he started playing alto after high school and more during the time he was in the Army band at the Presidio in San Francisco. After making the cut heunlike Desmondwas sent overseas in 1944, to Europe. Genres MusicBiographyJazzHistory 370 pages, Unknown Binding 19-45 Published by: Sage Publications, Inc. Born 30 August 1927 in Los Angeles. Brubeck went back home to California and started work with his trio, with whom he landed a radio gig; upon hearing of Brubecks success, Desmond travelled back to California and begged Brubeck to hire him, which Brubeck did not, until he made Desmond babysit his children. Desmond also played with guitarist Jim Hall in New York City in 1971, and with Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert in Toronto. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. , money, salary, income, and assets. He enjoyed his friendships with both musicians and writers, sometimes telling casual acquaintances that he was a writer. In his playing Desmond was also notable for his ability to produce extremely high notes, the altissimo register, on his saxophone. "I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness." Jazz at the College of the Pacific, Volume 2, Anything Goes! 1924 Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. 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. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. His witty quotations from musicals, classical pieces, and folk songs were also a watermark of his artistry. He died on 30 May 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. - Paul deBarros, Seattle Times"Rarely in the annals of jazz biography has a subject's career been documented so thoroughly a monumental work." Desmond appeared only half a dozen times with his "Canadian Quartet" Ed Bickert on guitar, Don Thompson on bass, and Jerry Fuller on drums. Some found Brubeck's playing heavy-handed. [5] He never remarried.[1]. Wild, subtle, delicate. There was a sign in our hospital medical library which read: Any book is new until youve read it. Paul Desmond | Credits | AllMusic Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond - Kindle Stbere im grten eBookstore der Welt und lies noch heute im Web, auf deinem Tablet, Telefon oder E-Reader. Best known as a member of Dave Brubeck's legendary quartet and the man who wrote the biggest-selling jazz single ever, 'Take Five', Paul Desmond's importance as a jazz performer cannot be underestimated. Desmond worked several times during his career with baritone saxophonist and band leader Gerry Mulligan. Paul Desmond was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. Brubeck was studying at Mills College and playing nights with a trio in San Francisco. 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. There were also two albums with a Desmond/Gerry Mulligan quartet. He is not dating anyone. 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. - Ben Ratliff, The New York Times"Every jazz musician should be lucky enough to get a biography as thoroughly researched and luxuriously produced." One of the things I thought about after Paul died was that it was really a shame because he would have been a really great old man. Zodiac Sign: Paul Desmond was a Sagittarius. Brubeck himself, thought that Desmond lacked ambition, but was upset when he signed a deal with RCA to record on his own, while still part of the Quartet. Eventually they became friends, but Desmond could often be found backstage, reading a book during Morello's extended drum solo on "Take Five". We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Other articles where Paul Desmond is discussed: Dave Brubeck: the addition of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Songs | Doug Ramsey. (1924 - 1977) Paul Desmond had a sound on alto saxophone that remains highly recognizable. A short, witty piece entitled How Jazz Came to Orange County Fair was published in. } Desmond's pure tone, the ingenuity of his melodic lines, his harmonic resourcefulness, the musical wit that reflected his literate and sophisticated personality, made him one of the most personal and appealing of all jazz stylists. Supplement 1, pp. He is primarily known for his paintings, drawings and sketches of horses and equestrian sports. JUMP TO: Paul Desmonds biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. | These were released on the albums She Was Too Good to Me, You Can't Go Home Again, and The Best Thing For You. People who are born with Jupirer as the ruling planet are optimistic and have a big appetite for life. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Theory When the Quartet split up in 1967, Desmond unofficially retired. The closest he came was one hilarious chapter that appeared in the British humour magazine, Punch. Buy. There are several photos of Desmond in Europe carrying the portable typewriter case. We have estimated All About Jazz musician pages are maintained by musicians, publicists and trusted members like you. Paul Desmond Discography Interestingly, usually these were with guitaristsnotably Jim Hall and Canadian Ed Bickert. He met Brubeck in the late '40s and played with his Octet. | About, Paul Desmond had a sound on alto saxophone that remains highly recognizable. 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. [1] His chemical-dependency problems would sometimes drain him of his energy on the road. In their 'Take The A Train' performance in Hanover, Germany in 1958, for example, Desmond's playing sounded lack-luster and uninterested. At the time I really thought it was kind of a throw-away. Paul Emil Breitenfeld was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. He was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composed that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". It was really easy to play." I knew Paul Desmond, but I found so much more I did not know."Nat Hentoff, author of American . Desmond first met pianist Dave Brubeck while both were in the Army, and in 1947 they connected again. Dave Brubeck(PBS interview with Hedrick Smith)[6]. Desmond died on May 30, 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of lung cancer, the result of his longtime heavy smoking. He is currently single. Paul Desmond was born in 1920s. 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. 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. | Their uncanny rapport and ability to interact kept the music exciting and fresh. It was a sound that made him a favourite with critics and fans alike, and won him jazz poll after jazz poll. 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. He is a profoundly beautiful player." Pristine, perfect. Influenced by Lester Young and Pete Brown he originally played clarinet in the big bands of Jack Fina and Alvino Rey. So he just played the second half. Desmond officially started work with the Dave Brubeck Trio (now Quartet with the inclusion of Desmond) in 1951. But we knew he was getting weaker and weaker. In 1951 Desmond joined what was to become one of the most famous groups in jazz, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. 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 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. The book details how Desmond was an only child whose father was a musician-composer in the San Francisco area. He worked in dance bands and dixieland groups, entertained in amusement parks and resorts. Doug Ramsey in his book Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond reports that when asked if he wanted a memorial service, Desmond replied, I dont care. This page is updated often with new details about Paul Desmond. Paul Desmond Musician - All About Jazz 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]. There was a period of time when Desmond left Brubeck and performed with small groups. 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. What used to scare me is I'd look at him and it would just be whites in his eyes, wouldn't be any eyeballs. Overview After some time spent inactive, Desmond was asked to play the Half Note in New York City in 1971 by Hall. He was known to have several addictions, including Dewar's Scotch whisky and Pall Mall cigarettes. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. Paul Desmond - Wikipedia Desmond's improvisation is praised for its logical structure and lyricism. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his well-known composition "Take Five." Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. The group also appeared on CBC-TV's Take 30, and were recorded at the Edmonton Jazz Festival. One moment, you will be redirected shortly. 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. Desmond's grudge against Morello could also be heard during their performance. Born in San Francisco in 1924, Desmond was one of the leading proponents of the West Coast "cool" style. After this long and expensive process, Desmond willed the piano to Cunningham, a characteristic and final prank. And we didn't go back on. Desmond was cremated and his ashes were scattered. We will update Paul Desmond's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. The Dave Brubeck Quartet played until 1967, when Brubeck switched his musical focus from performance to composition and dissolved the group. 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. People of this zodiac sign like freedom, travel, philosophy, being outdoors and dislike clingy people, constrained, off-the-wall theories. The 1920s represented an era of change and growth. 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. Perhaps it was their uncanny ability to play counterpoint that endeared them to their fans and to each other. DR. Desmond specified in his will that all proceeds from "Take Five" would go to the Red Cross following his death. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with that. He served a three-year term in the United States Army. Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 - May 30, 1977) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer and proponent of cool jazz. He played his last gigs with the Brubeck Quartet at reunions before dying of lung cancer. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. JazzStandards.com - All Rights Reserved 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. His last concert was with Dave Brubeck in February, 1977 at New York's Avery Fisher Hall. They recorded fifty tunes in all, plus an album with strings. He was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composed that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". He blew on a couple of albums with his old friend Chet Baker. In 1954, the quartet was featured on Time Magazine. The quintessential cool jazz saxophonist, an alto with a shimmering sound and light, airy playing exemplified by his self-written "Take Five." 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. Other of his compositions such as Audrey, Desmond Blue, and Wendy are often visited by jazz musicians. Influenced by Lester Young and Pete Brown he originally played clarinet in the big bands of Jack Fina and Alvino Rey. 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. 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. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. Take Five - Wikipedia As a child, he played the violin and the clarinet. National Public Radio - Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini', Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Paul Desmond. 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). Was he just a minor figure in a jazz landscape of greats? Alto Saxophonist, Composer. It is an oversized book, clothbound at 10 x 11. He was very easy, because harmonically there was a real clear logic in everything he played musically. One thing I learned during the years of not playing I started hanging out in the bar in New York called Elaine's, where a lot of heavyweight writers spend a lot of time, and I discovered over a year or so that almost all of them have secret Walter Mitty dreams of becoming jazz players. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Paul Desmond, alto sax; Dave Brubeck, piano; Wyatt Ruther, bass; Herb Barman, drums. [4] During Brubeck's Two Generations tours, Desmond and Mulligan shared the stage in 1974. Also learn how He earned most of Paul Desmond networth? The book never appeared. Then slowly, Desmond awoke. Dr. F. Norman Vickers is a founder of the Jazz Society of Pensacola/Pensacola Jazzfest and a charter member of the Jazz Journalists Association. Despite his many friends, Gene Lees wrote that Desmond was the "loneliest man" he ever knew. 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. His friends tell of his last weeks, when an old friend, jazz legend Charles Mingus, appeared at his apartment draped in a swirling black cape and a matching Spanish cowboy hat. The Paul Desmond Papers are held at the Holt-Atherton Special Collections in the University of the Pacific Library. Paul Desmond is known for A Civil Action (1998), Legends of the Fall (1994) and Glory (1989). 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. 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." Paul Desmond Wiki, Biography, Age, Career, Relationship, Net Worth Desmond was also described as a womanizer who was unable to form (and was uninterested in maintaining) steady relationships with women, though he had no shortage of female companions throughout his life. He donated many of his possessions to libraries and to charity. Paul Desmond was born on 25 November 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. His many fans didn't know that he was dying, and incapable of the level of playing that he was famous for. Theirs was a musical rapport that Desmond described as "kind of scary.". | He died on May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. Later married Willis Dean Kaye (died 1986); they had one child, Christopher (1956-2014). Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes a local jazz events calendar. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. Desmond began to study the clarinet at the age of twelve, which he continued while at San Francisco Polytechnic High School. You don't think of Paul Desmond as a real swinging musician, he's not famous for that. 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". He was an actor and composer, known for Rushmore (1998), Say Anything (1989) and Constantine (2005). The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. When pianist Marian McPartland asked him about his dates he punned, "Sometimes they go around with guys who are scuffling for a while. Darius Brubeck recalls thinking that Desmond was his uncle almost into adolescence. Paul Desmond | | Discogs Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world? Desmonds encounter with the legendary Dave Brubeck has become a trademark story in the jazz world. 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. Accompanying them were Brubeck's sons Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck and Darius Brubeck. 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. And that's what made "Take Five". 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. 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. "Okay, set up the chess board." He spent three years in the military, but his unit was not called to combat. a question invariably asked by airline stewardesses. Desmond was a guest artist on five tracks by Chet Baker recorded between 1975 and 1977. 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. During Morello's first performance with the group, he was featured by Brubeck and received an ovation from the audience for his solo. Corrections? But his best work of the period was a happy collaboration with three Toronto musicians. Who are the richest people in the world? Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world. He did however, play one last concert with Brubeck in February 1977. : same personnel. They're curious, but sometimes too motivated by money. [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. [4], Following his military discharge, Paul Emil Breitenfeld legally changed his last name from Breitenfeld to Desmond in 1946. [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). After the Quartet disbanded in 1967, Desmond recorded a duet with Brubeck, guested with Brubecks musician sons, and played in pianoless groups with guitarist Jim Hall and baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you. But usually they end up marrying some cat with a factory. After Desmond died, the editor of Parkside Publications sought out Ramsey and persuaded him to write the book. Paul never said it would be the end.

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