paul desmond biography

| National Public Radio - Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini', Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Paul Desmond. the addition of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. JazzStandards.com - All Rights Reserved Brubeck managed to keep both Desmond and Morello in the group but with frictions between them for years. [1] His chemical-dependency problems would sometimes drain him of his energy on the road. Desmond grew especially close to Dave's son Michael, to whom he left his saxophone upon his death. Drums, or Adventures in Tinky-Boom", "Paul Desmond was revered for the pure, gentle tone of his alto saxophone, and the elegant lyricism of his improvisations", "Paul Desmond - 1959-65 Quartet Recordings - Mosaic Records", Paul Desmond Quartet Featuring Don Elliott, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_Desmond&oldid=1143875769, United States Army personnel of World War II, Deaths from lung cancer in New York (state), Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Joker (Italy) SM-3804; Blue Vox (Switzerland) B/90174, Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond/Dave Van Kriedt, Europa Jazz (Italy) EJ-1032; Denon (Japan) 33C38-7681, Columbia C2L-26/C2S-826 [as double LP]; CL-2036/CS-8836 and CL-2037/CS-8837 [as single LPs], "How Long, Baby How Long, Pt. Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld in San Francisco, California, in 1924, the son of Shirley (ne King) and Emil Aron Breitenfeld. Desmond worked several times during his career with baritone saxophonist and band leader Gerry Mulligan. His fans were unaware of his rapidly declining health. "Take Five" is a jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond. Later married Willis Dean Kaye (died 1986); they had one child, Christopher (1956-2014). He was known to have several addictions, including Dewar's Scotch whisky and Pall Mall cigarettes. It is an oversized book, clothbound at 10 x 11. When the Quartet split in 1967, Desmond began an intermittent yet satisfying recording career. He worked in dance bands and dixieland groups, entertained in amusement parks and resorts. Famed critic Nat Hentoff called him "one of the most creative figures in modern jazz." Genres: Cool Jazz, Jazz, Bossa nova. | Desmond began sitting in with the trio and with Brubecks experimental octet at Mills. Biographies 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 harmony was always right, the melodies were always right. [10], Desmond had a celebrated studio partnership with guitarist Jim Hall. So he just played the second half. Brubeck was studying at Mills College and playing nights with a trio in San Francisco. The greatest overall compatibility with Sagittarius is Gemini and Aries. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. He was known for being a Saxophonist. Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world? 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 . At the time I really thought it was kind of a throw-away. 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. He was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composed that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". Desmond continued with the Quartet until their breakup in 1967, after which the Quartet only reassembled for reunion tours, the last of which was held in 1976, a year before Desmonds death. Certainly this can apply to Doug Ramseys elegant 2005 biography of saxophonist Paul Desmond (1924-1977). Desmond featured Bickert on his 1975 studio album Pure Desmond, and the two played together at the 1976 Edmonton Jazz Festival. Finally it clicked the hooded harvester from Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal. And that's what made "Take Five". The Dave Brubeck Quartet 25th Anniversary Reunion , A&M, 1976. In 1959, Desmond penned the first million-seller, jazz single, "Take Five". 1" // "How Long, Baby How Long, Pt. Paul Desmond. Paul Desmond - Biography. 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. Perhaps it was their uncanny ability to play counterpoint that endeared them to their fans and to each other. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. 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]. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. Played with the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1951 until 1967. Paul Emil Breitenfeld is part of G.I. I was ready to trade the entire rights, lifetime-wise of "Take Five" for a used Ronson electric razor. He fronted a quartet featuring guitarist Jim Hall for two weeks at the "Half Note" in New York City, and broke their attendance record. 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]. Paul Desmond is widely recognized for his genius as a melodic improviser and as the benchmark of cool jazz sax players. Interestingly, usually these were with guitaristsnotably Jim Hall and Canadian Ed Bickert. 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. For the critics it was a strange musical relationship. Lesser known, however, are the personal traits of Desmond. a question invariably asked by airline stewardesses. 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 . 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. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at. Desmond was cremated and his ashes were scattered. Desmond's grudge against Morello could also be heard during their performance. At that time, he began playing the alto saxophone, after being influenced by the likes of Lester Young and Charlie Parker. But we knew he was getting weaker and weaker. He was very easy, because harmonically there was a real clear logic in everything he played musically. Born : November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. When pushed musically he rose to the occasion, turning out chorus after brilliant chorus. 1991 Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. The Breitenfeld family in Bohemia and Vienna featured musicians in every generation throughout the 1800s, 1900s, and to the present day. 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. Generation. - Don Thompson. The Dave Brubeck Quartet played until 1967, when Brubeck switched his musical focus from performance to composition and dissolved the group. 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. It's so smooth and yet it's uncommon.If I ever decide I need another name, it's going to be Desmond. "url": "https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/paul-desmond" He was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composed that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". In 1953 Iola Brubeck Iola Brubeck wrote to more than 100 colleges and universities enclosing reviews of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, a . Jeff Barnhart, Hal Smith -with- Andy Schumm. Once more details are available, we will update this section. There was a sign in our hospital medical library which read: Any book is new until youve read it. 156-157. History Omissions? - Dave Brubeck. Within several months they attained a measure of national fame, largely by word of mouth among West Coast critics who championed the group's innovations. 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. He was a modest, retiring man, known to his friends for his wit and charm. 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. He was an eminent member of the highly renowned Dave Brubeck Quartet, and he earned a reputation as one of West Coasts best jazz saxophonists. 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. Bookstore We will continue to update information on Paul Desmonds parents. After high school, Desmond enrolled at San Francisco State College where he majored in English. Darius Brubeck recalls thinking that Desmond was his uncle almost into adolescence. Ramsey has a musical background and was a writer, so it was a fortuitous fit. In his playing Desmond was also notable for his ability to produce extremely high notes, the altissimo register, on his saxophone. | Colin Skinner: In Praise of British Big Bands, The Scintillating Enigma of Una Mae Carlisle, Integration in the Recording Studio: Eddie Condons Story, Peggy Haine & The Lowdown Alligator Jass Band to Play Again, James Reese Europe and the Clef Club Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. "Okay, set up the chess board." Although this book is out of print, there are occasionally copies available in the used book ads, some priced at $100 or more. 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. He frequently played in Toronto, Canada, leading a quartet that included guitarist Ed Bickert, bassist Don Thompson, and drummer Jerry Fuller. ". [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. Yet with different musical aspiration and taste, their relationship was full of tension. The rest of the Time Series albums were released between 1961 and 1963. : Paul Emil Breitenfeld : American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). For several weeks, he led a small jazz combo at the Band Box in Redwood City that included Dave Brubeck. 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. Paul Desmond's net worth JJM Strack said that Desmond's two influences were most likely Lester Young for his soft palette, and Artie Shaw for his lyricism. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. He played his last gigs with the Brubeck Quartet at reunions before dying of lung cancer. His witty quotations from musicals, classical pieces, and folk songs were also a watermark of his artistry. 1 (Oct., 2001), pp. And Dave said, "Well let's run it through." Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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." | He enjoyed his friendships with both musicians and writers, sometimes telling casual acquaintances that he was a writer. Tell us why you would like to improve the Paul Desmond musician page. He took whatever work he could get as a player. They're curious, but sometimes too motivated by money. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. He is also well-known for his over three decades of illustrations for Brooks Brothers catalogs including more than one-thousand drawings. Add photos, demo reels Add to list More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Known for A Civil Action 6.6 Paul Shalline 1998 Legends of the Fall 7.5 Roscoe Decker 1994 Glory 7.8 10th Connecticut Soldier 1989 All the King's Men 6.1 Slade 2006 Credits IMDbPro Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, October 8, 1954. 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. Twenty years after his death from cancer, his music still sells, is still played, and still moves people. Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. 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. Lemme Tell Ya 'Bout Desmond: the Music of Paul Desmond, Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, Desmond After Dark (With the Dave Brubeck Quartet). Desmonds airy, melodic style was a perfect balance to Brubecks forceful, polytonal playing. 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 was born in San Francisco. Stbere im grten eBookstore der Welt und lies noch heute im Web, auf deinem Tablet, Telefon oder E-Reader. He was an actor and composer, known for Rushmore (1998), Say Anything (1989) and Constantine (2005). He donated many of his possessions to libraries and to charity. He is currently single. They toured the world, playing 300 concerts a year, and had a Columbia recording contract that called for four albums a year. Songs | Paul Desmond was born on 25 November 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. 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. Baker and Desmond also appeared together on two tracks included on Jim Hall's 1975 Concierto album. 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. 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. The success of the quartet led to a Time magazine piece on them in 1954, with the famous cover featuring Brubeck's face. He was 43 years old, and he didn't play his horn again for three years. Genres MusicBiographyJazzHistory 370 pages, Unknown Binding The 1920s represented an era of change and growth. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. Paul Desmond, alto sax; Dave Brubeck, piano; Wyatt Ruther, bass; Herb Barman, drums. Paul Desmond is known for A Civil Action (1998), Legends of the Fall (1994) and Glory (1989). Paul Desmond was born in 1920s. The book has been out of print for several years and I obtained my copy through interlibrary loan. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Buy. As a child, he played the violin and the clarinet. Real Name: Paul Emil Breitenfeld Profile: American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). Officially he was writing a humorous memoir of his years on the road with the Quartet, to be titled How Many of You Are There in the Quartet? Born in San Francisco in 1924, Desmond was one of the leading proponents of the West Coast "cool" style. When is Paul Desmonds birthday? After years of chain smoking and poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 after a tour with Brubeck. 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. He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 53 years old group. This is the way the world ends, not with a whim but a banker." 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". [4][7] That is how the Dave Brubeck Quartet had its start, a group that began in 1951 and ended in December 1967. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. 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. 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. 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. Wild, subtle, delicate. 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. Live recordings of that concert and club dates with Bickert performed during 1974-1975 were released during and after Desmond's lifetime. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. 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. Dave Brubeck. During Morello's first performance with the group, he was featured by Brubeck and received an ovation from the audience for his solo. Desmond specified in his will that all proceeds from "Take Five" would go to the Red Cross following his death. Paul Desmond discography and songs: Music profile for Paul Desmond, born 25 November 1924. The two continued to play at the club to jam-packed audiences. Albums include Take Ten, Two of a Mind, and Brubeck Time. Desmond was also credited as the lead songwriter for the Quartets most famous composition, Take Five. After making the cut heunlike Desmondwas sent overseas in 1944, to Europe. I read that the electronic version is available for around $15. Though he never abandoned his gift for writing, music won, and he concentrated on clarinet, then the saxophone. And, in fact, he was a prolific correspondent, carrying his Olivetti portable typewriter with him even on his foreign trips. He had a reputation as a lady's man, and was often seen accompanied by gorgeous models. Theory Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. Accompanying them were Brubeck's sons Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck and Darius Brubeck. Desmond hoped for a "tinky-boom" background-type drummer while Morello wanted to be recognized and featured. - Downbeat Magazine, July, 2005an invaluable addition to jazz literature. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. His many fans didn't know that he was dying, and incapable of the level of playing that he was famous for. Desmond produced a light, melodic tone on the alto saxophone, trying to sound, he said, "like a dry martini." He learned to play the alto saxophone during his first year at San Francisco State College. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the cool jazz scene. There was an early marriage for Desmond but for various reasons, it didnt work out. "Doug Ramsey's Take Five is an invaluable addition to jazz literatureby an especially enduring writer on the music. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. 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. : same personnel. Paul Desmond died on May 30, 1977 due to lung cancer. Never without his humor, after he was diagnosed with cancer he expressed pleasure at the health of his liver. Chinese Zodiac: Paul Desmond was born in the Year of the Rabbit. One of Desmonds legendary performances was in collaboration with The Modern Jazz Quartet for a Christmas concert in 1971. Desmond meanwhile was gaining a reputation for his "original, intensely personal style." Eliot's "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper"). DR. The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. [2] However, Fred Barton, songwriter/arranger and Desmond's cousin, found extensive genealogical proof that both the Breitenfeld and Lwy families were Bohemian Jews. Dave Brubeck(PBS interview with Hedrick Smith)[6]. Search This generation experienced much of their youth during the Great Depression and rapid technological innovation such as the radio and the telephone. With the immense success of Desmond's "Take Five," the Brubeck Quartet became the first million-selling jazz group. 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. 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. We will update Paul Desmond's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. 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). They were greeted with enthusiasm wherever they played until the deteriorating eyesight of drummer Joe Morello cut short the tour. One of the great livers of our time. All rights reserved. Desmond first met pianist Dave Brubeck while both were in the Army, and in 1947 they connected again. And we didn't go back on. Overview - Ben Ratliff, The New York Times"Every jazz musician should be lucky enough to get a biography as thoroughly researched and luxuriously produced." Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The decade was one of learning and exploration. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes a local jazz events calendar. Desmond once told Marian McPartland of National Public Radio's Piano Jazz that he was taken aback by the chord changes which Brubeck introduced during that 1944 audition. In 1954, the quartet was featured on Time Magazine. Desmonds wry humor was intact even as he was dying. His last concert was with Dave Brubeck in February, 1977 at New York's Avery Fisher Hall. In their private lives Dave Brubeck and his family were very close to Paul Desmond, though the two men possessed very different personalities. Sign up with your email address to receive Brubeck news and updates. Alto Saxophonist, Composer. 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. 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." We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in New York City. He and Art Pepper were virtually the only alto players of their generation not directly influenced by Charlie Parker. Awash in Dewars and full of health." Desmond also played with guitarist Jim Hall in New York City in 1971, and with Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert in Toronto. - Paul Desmond. 1924 Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. Thanks to Parkside Publications and author Dave Ramsey for this labor of love., Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, By Doug Ramsey with foreword by Dave and Iola Brubeck. Brubeck was trying out for the 253rd Army band, which Desmond belonged to. In this area, Desmond was a private person. 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. 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]. Permission & contact 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. At the time, Brubeck and wife Iola had three small children, and Brubeck had instructed Iola not to let Desmond set foot in the family home. At the New Orleans Jazz Festival he played a soaring set with Gerry Mulligan. But he had really great time feel, he really did swing beautifully. Paul Desmond was a Sagittarius and was born in the G.I. By the time he reached college, he started playing the Alto Saxophone, which later became his most preferred instrument. 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." Desmond enjoyed reading works by the thinkers of his generation like Timothy Leary and Jack Kerouac, also dabbling in some LSD usage. Paul never said it would be the end. Desmond died on May 30, 1977, not of his heavy alcohol habit but of lung cancer, the result of his longtime heavy smoking. An introvert whose literary ambitions found some expression in his bright and funny album liner notes, Desmond, who died of lung cancer in 1977 at 52, became famous in the 1950s with the hugely. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. information, Home | We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged.

Victoria Gomez Bridgend, Kleiner Perkins Net Worth, Articles P