Live recordings of that concert and club dates with Bickert performed during 1974-1975 were released during and after Desmond's lifetime. 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. Perhaps it was their uncanny ability to play counterpoint that endeared them to their fans and to each other. We will continue to update information on Paul Desmonds parents. Privacy Policy | We do not sell or share your personal information | 2023 All About Jazz & Jazz Near You . His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in New York City. Wild, subtle, delicate. "[1] Desmond developed a talent for writing during high school as well, becoming co-editor of his high school newspaper. As a child, he played the violin and the clarinet. In contrast, Brubeck was deeply religious and a stalwart family man.[7]. "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/Paul-Desmond-200-2017.jpg", We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. He worked occasionally for Dave Brubeck at the Geary Cellar in San Francisco. The book has been out of print for several years and I obtained my copy through interlibrary loan. 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. Influenced by Lester Young and Pete Brown he originally played clarinet in the big bands of Jack Fina and Alvino Rey. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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." Genres MusicBiographyJazzHistory 370 pages, Unknown Binding Born in San Francisco in 1924, Desmond was one of the leading proponents of the West Coast "cool" style. He served a three-year term in the United States Army. Paul studied literature at San Francisco State and, although he did not pursue a writing career, he displayed considerable talent. Paul Desmond (Paul Emil Breitenfeld) was born on 25 November, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA, is a Soundtrack, Music Department. 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. People who are born with Jupirer as the ruling planet are optimistic and have a big appetite for life. 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). When pushed musically he rose to the occasion, turning out chorus after brilliant chorus. The Dave Brubeck Quartet 25th Anniversary Reunion , A&M, 1976. There are several photos of Desmond in Europe carrying the portable typewriter case. Desmond enjoyed reading works by the thinkers of his generation like Timothy Leary and Jack Kerouac, also dabbling in some LSD usage. Paul Desmond discography and songs: Music profile for Paul Desmond, born 25 November 1924. In a business where booze and drugs abound, his drinking was legendary, but it was three packs a day that caught up with him in May of that year. Paul Desmond, alto sax; Dave Brubeck, piano; Wyatt Ruther, bass; Herb Barman, drums. The book details how Desmond was an only child whose father was a musician-composer in the San Francisco area. Paul Desmond. Paul Desmonds mothers name is unknown at this time and his fathers name is under review. 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. Hall played on several albums recorded by Desmond between 1959 and 1963 for Warner Bros. and RCA Victor. 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. Other of his compositions such as Audrey, Desmond Blue, and Wendy are often visited by jazz musicians. 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. In 1959, Desmond penned the first million-seller, jazz single, "Take Five". These illustrations made him a major influence on the image of urban males in twentieth-century America. Alto Saxophonist, Composer. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Eventually he was coaxed out of retirement to play occasional gigs with his friends. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. Frequently covered by a variety of artists, the track is the biggest-selling jazz song of all time and a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee.. Dave Brubeck was inspired to create an album based on odd time signatures during his state sponsored 1958 . One of Desmonds legendary performances was in collaboration with The Modern Jazz Quartet for a Christmas concert in 1971. 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. And we didn't go back on. "Okay, set up the chess board." In 1951 Desmond joined what was to become one of the most famous groups in jazz, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. According to our Database, He has no children. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. During World War I, while training with the 17th New York Regiment in Plattsburgh, New York, he composed The Last Long Mile, one of the best-known soldiers' songs of that war.[3]. Tell us why you would like to improve the Paul Desmond musician page. The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, Rezensionen werden nicht berprft, Google sucht jedoch gezielt nach geflschten Inhalten und entfernt diese, Foreword by Dave Brubeck and Iola Brubeck, Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond. But usually they end up marrying some cat with a factory. They had four children (including Emil, father of Paul Emil). Paul Emil Breitenfeld was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. Most readers likely are familiar with that musical combination and recordings. 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]. Please check back soon for updates. In 1953 Iola Brubeck Iola Brubeck wrote to more than 100 colleges and universities enclosing reviews of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, a . Discover what happened on this day. 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. He frequently played in Toronto, Canada, leading a quartet that included guitarist Ed Bickert, bassist Don Thompson, and drummer Jerry Fuller. Desmond also joined the Modern Jazz Quartet for a Christmas concert in 1971 at the New York Town Hall.[4]. 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 . Paul Desmond was born in the Year of the Rat. There was a period of time when Desmond left Brubeck and performed with small groups. He spent three years in the military, but his unit was not called to combat. Desmond was also credited as the lead songwriter for the Quartets most famous composition, Take Five. This is a jazz music websitespammers will be deleted. 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. [1], Desmond's father Emil Breitenfeld was a pianist, organist, arranger, and composer who accompanied silent films in movie theaters and produced musical arrangements for printed publication and for live theatrical productions. In one Down Beat review he was described as "oftimes loud and pounding and seemingly at a loss for melodic ideas." 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. 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 worked several times during his career with baritone saxophonist and band leader Gerry Mulligan. It is an oversized book, clothbound at 10 x 11. People of this zodiac sign like freedom, travel, philosophy, being outdoors and dislike clingy people, constrained, off-the-wall theories. Paul Desmond is widely recognized for his genius as a melodic improviser and as the benchmark of cool jazz sax players. 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. Paul Desmond was born on the 25th of November, 1924. History The harmony was always right, the melodies were always right. [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. Overview | 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. But that that was when he was playing great. After years of chain smoking and poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 after a tour with Brubeck. 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. I was ready to trade the entire rights, lifetime-wise of "Take Five" for a used Ronson electric razor. [2] However, Fred Barton, songwriter/arranger and Desmond's cousin, found extensive genealogical proof that both the Breitenfeld and Lwy families were Bohemian Jews. This page is updated often with new details about Paul Desmond. All About Jazz musician pages are maintained by musicians, publicists and trusted members like you. 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. In his playing Desmond was also notable for his ability to produce extremely high notes, the altissimo register, on his saxophone. Generation. Who are the richest people in the world? 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. Sign up with your email address to receive Brubeck news and updates. It was a sound that made him a favourite with critics and fans alike, and won him jazz poll after jazz poll. He took whatever work he could get as a player. He is also well-known for his over three decades of illustrations for Brooks Brothers catalogs including more than one-thousand drawings. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. About, Paul Desmond had a sound on alto saxophone that remains highly recognizable. JJM Strack said that Desmond's two influences were most likely Lester Young for his soft palette, and Artie Shaw for his lyricism. He told many stories over the years regarding how he chose the name Desmond, but his biographer Doug Ramsey offers an account from Desmond's friend Hal Strack that the two were listening to the Glenn Miller band singer Johnny Desmond in 1942, and Desmond told Strack "that's such a great name. Eliot's "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper"). 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. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. In this area, Desmond was a private person. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. In his first year of college, Desmond was drafted into the United States Army and joined the Army band while stationed in San Francisco. - Don Thompson. There are also reissues from A&M and CTI, though recordings on Artist House and Finesse remain regrettably out of print. ". At that time, he began playing the alto saxophone, after being influenced by the likes of Lester Young and Charlie Parker. Desmond's mother Shirley was emotionally unstable throughout his upbringing, and appears to have suffered from obsessivecompulsive disorder and other mental illnesses. 1" // "How Long, Baby How Long, Pt. Desmond appeared only half a dozen times with his "Canadian Quartet" Ed Bickert on guitar, Don Thompson on bass, and Jerry Fuller on drums. Desmond had a falling out with Brubeck when he resigned from the Band Box and prevented Brubeck from taking over the residency. His mother had some psychological issues such that Paul was sent off to live with relatives from elementary school age until his late teens. 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 Desmond spent the remainder of his life playing with many different artists and composers. Desmond's grudge against Morello could also be heard during their performance. 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. Bookstore When pianist Marian McPartland asked him about his dates he punned, "Sometimes they go around with guys who are scuffling for a while. After Morello's complex rhythm, Desmond would play even quieter and even dropped for a few bars. Permission & contact In 1953, Down Beat proclaimed, "It is again a case where the sideman (in this instance Desmond) seems to be quite superior to the leader as a jazzman." His fans were unaware of his rapidly declining health. Desmond began sitting in with the trio and with Brubecks experimental octet at Mills. They're curious, but sometimes too motivated by money. His warm, elegant tone was one that he admittedly tried to make sound like a dry martini. All rights reserved. is military terminology referring to "Government Issue" or "General Issue". There were also two albums with a Desmond/Gerry Mulligan quartet. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. "[1], Desmond was married from 1947 to 1949 to Duane Reeves Lamon. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the West Coast's . Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. The group also appeared on CBC-TV's Take 30, and were recorded at the Edmonton Jazz Festival. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. He met Brubeck in the late '40s and played with his Octet. During the 1970s Desmond joined Brubeck for several reunion tours, including "Two Generations of Brubeck". Was he just a minor figure in a jazz landscape of greats? Desmond appeared at Brubeck's San Francisco apartment one day while Dave was in the back yard hanging diapers on a laundry line, and Iola, defying Brubeck's wishes, let Desmond in and took him to Dave. Much to his own amusement his liver was fine, "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. Search Then in the 70s he changed labels to CTI, and did half a dozen more albums, proving once again that he was more than just a sideman. JUMP TO: Paul Desmonds biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. Corrections? 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. Certainly this can apply to Doug Ramseys elegant 2005 biography of saxophonist Paul Desmond (1924-1977). After meeting and playing together in the late 40s, they formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951 and never looked back. Played with the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1951 until 1967. Jeff Barnhart, Hal Smith -with- Andy Schumm. information, Home | Paul Desmond is known for A Civil Action (1998), Legends of the Fall (1994) and Glory (1989). If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. He began by playing clarinet in high school and was tutored in music theory by his father, a theater organist and arranger. Clarinetist Perry Robinson recalls in his autobiography that Desmond would sometimes need a vitamin B12 shot just to go on playing during his later career.[10]. He and Art Pepper were virtually the only alto players of their generation not directly influenced by Charlie Parker. A short, witty piece entitled How Jazz Came to Orange County Fair was published in. - Dave Brubeck. His ambition, he said, was to sound like a dry martini. By the time he reached college, he started playing the Alto Saxophone, which later became his most preferred instrument. So thrilled was he with his first two weeks at Toronto's "Bourbon Street", that Desmond rushed back to New York and talked record producer Creed Taylor into flying Bickert in so that he could record an album with him. - Paul Desmond. "url": "https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/paul-desmond" "@type": "Person", Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you. Then it was a logical move to alto saxophone. He was known to have several addictions, including Dewar's Scotch whisky and Pall Mall cigarettes. And, in fact, he was a prolific correspondent, carrying his Olivetti portable typewriter with him even on his foreign trips. His ambition, he said, was to sound like a dry martini. In their private lives Dave Brubeck and his family were very close to Paul Desmond, though the two men possessed very different personalities. Many of Desmond; own pieces have a breathy bossa nova lyricism, true to the Brazilian original, not the jivey Americanized version. In their later years they reconciled and became close friends.[9]. Playing with Desmond and Mulligan was really mind-blowing because they were such heroes for me. --publisher. Desmond officially started work with the Dave Brubeck Trio (now Quartet with the inclusion of Desmond) in 1951. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. Desmond played a Selmer Super Balanced Action model alto saxophone with an M. C. Gregory model 4A-18M hard rubber mouthpiece, both dating from circa 1951, with a moderately stiff Rico 3 reed.[16]. The success of the quartet led to a Time magazine piece on them in 1954, with the famous cover featuring Brubeck's face. These were released on the albums She Was Too Good to Me, You Can't Go Home Again, and The Best Thing For You. Instead, though they shared the same concert stage nearly every night, he didn't speak to Morello for a year. Born : November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. } Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. [1] His chemical-dependency problems would sometimes drain him of his energy on the road. Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld in San Francisco, California, in 1924, the son of Shirley (ne King) and Emil Aron Breitenfeld. All rights reserved. He was great to play with. Desmond's recordings for RCA have gotten box-set treatment and Mosaic issued one of the complete sessions with Hall. I could see him about 70-75 years old he would have been terrific just to talk to and hang out with. Desmonds childhood was problematic as his parents had a somewhat unhealthy relationship. Desmond meanwhile was gaining a reputation for his "original, intensely personal style." Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, October 8, 1954. 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. The strengths of this sign are being generous, idealistic, sense of humor, while weaknesses can be to promise more than can deliver, impatient and say anything no matter how undiplomatic. 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. : Paul Emil Breitenfeld : American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). Paul Desmond died on May 30, 1977 due to lung cancer. 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. - Paul deBarros, Seattle Times"Rarely in the annals of jazz biography has a subject's career been documented so thoroughly a monumental work." Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. When drummer Joe Morello joined the Quartet in 1956, Desmond disliked his crowd-pleasing performances so much that he threatened to quit the Quartet. At 53 years old, Paul Desmond height not available right now. He learned to play the alto saxophone during his first year at San Francisco State College. He was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composed that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". Soundtrack: Rushmore. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes a local jazz events calendar. Yet with different musical aspiration and taste, their relationship was full of tension. 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]. Brubeck was trying out for the 253rd Army band, which Desmond belonged to. This planet represents abundance, prosperity and the principle of expansion. The quintessential cool jazz saxophonist, an alto with a shimmering sound and light, airy playing exemplified by his self-written "Take Five." The Complete Recordings of the Paul Desmond Quartet with Jim Hall (1959-65) , Mosaic, 1988. His time was amazing. Theirs was a musical rapport that Desmond described as "kind of scary.". 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. Reset your passwordClick the eye to show your password. DR. Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world? After some time spent inactive, Desmond was asked to play the Half Note in New York City in 1971 by Hall. "name" : "Paul Desmond", Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. [10], Desmond had a celebrated studio partnership with guitarist Jim Hall. a question invariably asked by airline stewardesses. This is Desmond as leader and musical organizer, whose wit and warmth come singing through his song choices, his arrangements and his compositions. Doug Ramsey knew Paul Desmond personally for years and is a musician as well as a journalist so he has both the insight as well as the ability to tell the story well. Of course, the author goes into detail about Desmonds long association with Dave Brubeck and family. Biographies Once more details are available, we will update this section. National Public Radio - Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini', Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Paul Desmond. All Rights Reserved Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 - May 30, 1977) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, best known for the work he did in the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing that group's greatest hit, "Take Five". Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. 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. Brubeck was studying at Mills College and playing nights with a trio in San Francisco. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at. No wonder that articles started appearing questioning the basis of the Desmond-Brubeck collaboration.
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