paul desmond biography paul desmond biography

When drummer Joe Morello joined the Quartet in 1956, Desmond disliked his crowd-pleasing performances so much that he threatened to quit the Quartet. Paul Desmond's net worth Ill be dead., Copyright 2005-2020 - The writing is exquisite. I knew Paul Desmond, but I found so much more I did not know."Nat Hentoff, author of American . His many fans didn't know that he was dying, and incapable of the level of playing that he was famous for. 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." information, Home | I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness. Desmonds childhood was problematic as his parents had a somewhat unhealthy relationship. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. In 1959, Desmond penned the first million-seller, jazz single, "Take Five". His time was amazing. Desmond's recordings for RCA have gotten box-set treatment and Mosaic issued one of the complete sessions with Hall. This page is updated often with new details about Paul Desmond. Copyright 2005-2022 - JazzStandards.com All rights reserved. | 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). He is also well-known for his over three decades of illustrations for Brooks Brothers catalogs including more than one-thousand drawings. He first collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, with whom he shared stage in 1969 and in 1974, the former being for the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). One moment, you will be redirected shortly. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at [4][7] That is how the Dave Brubeck Quartet had its start, a group that began in 1951 and ended in December 1967. His last concert was with Dave Brubeck in February, 1977 at New York's Avery Fisher Hall. "[1] Desmond developed a talent for writing during high school as well, becoming co-editor of his high school newspaper. "Doug Ramsey's Take Five is an invaluable addition to jazz literatureby an especially enduring writer on the music. Yet with different musical aspiration and taste, their relationship was full of tension. After making the cut heunlike Desmondwas sent overseas in 1944, to Europe. Other articles where Paul Desmond is discussed: Dave Brubeck: the addition of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Tell us why you would like to improve the Paul Desmond musician page. Desmond was a guest artist on five tracks by Chet Baker recorded between 1975 and 1977. Live recordings of that concert and club dates with Bickert performed during 1974-1975 were released during and after Desmond's lifetime. DR. In Concert at Town Hall (with the Modern Jazz Quartet), DRG, 1971. 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. They toured the world, playing 300 concerts a year, and had a Columbia recording contract that called for four albums a year. He donated many of his possessions to libraries and to charity. Desmond who had studied creative writing and loved the "concept" of being a writer never got around to it. 1924 Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA as Paul Emil Breitenfeld. 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. 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. Desmond's improvisation is praised for its logical structure and lyricism. 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 (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 May 30, 1977) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer and proponent of cool jazz. Ramsey has a musical background and was a writer, so it was a fortuitous fit. 23, No. Then it was a logical move to alto saxophone. This planet represents abundance, prosperity and the principle of expansion. Desmond grew especially close to Dave's son Michael, to whom he left his saxophone upon his death. Paul Desmonds mothers name is unknown at this time and his fathers name is under review. The decade was one of learning and exploration. Eliot's "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper"). He took whatever work he could get as a player. At the time I really thought it was kind of a throw-away. 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. [8], After drummer Joe Dodge decided to leave the group, Joe Morello joined in late 1956 with Desmond's recommendation. He served a three-year term in the United States Army. Desmond resented this, and threatened to leave the group. When is Paul Desmonds birthday? This is the way the world ends, not with a whim but a banker." Paul Desmond (November 25, 1924 - May 30, 1977), born Paul Emil Breitenfeld, was a jazz alto saxophonist and composer born in San Francisco, best known for the work he did in the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for penning that group's greatest hit, "Take Five". Desmond officially started work with the Dave Brubeck Trio (now Quartet with the inclusion of Desmond) in 1951. Chinese Zodiac: Paul Desmond was born in the Year of the Rabbit. Paul Desmond was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, October 8, 1954. 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. Within several months they attained a measure of national fame, largely by word of mouth among West Coast critics who championed the groups innovations. He was 43 years old, and he didn't play his horn again for three years. - Downbeat Magazine, July, 2005an invaluable addition to jazz literature. The quintessential cool jazz saxophonist, an alto with a shimmering sound and light, airy playing exemplified by his self-written "Take Five." He learned to play the alto saxophone during his first year at San Francisco State College. Read Full Biography. Songs | Search Theory | Alto Saxophonist, Composer. His witty quotations from musicals, classical pieces, and folk songs were also a watermark of his artistry. But usually they end up marrying some cat with a factory. Genres MusicBiographyJazzHistory 370 pages, Unknown Binding Other of his compositions such as Audrey, Desmond Blue, and Wendy are often visited by jazz musicians. Privacy Policy | We do not sell or share your personal information | 2023 All About Jazz & Jazz Near You . They recorded fifty tunes in all, plus an album with strings. 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. He did however, play one last concert with Brubeck in February 1977. 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 People who are born with Jupirer as the ruling planet are optimistic and have a big appetite for life. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Genres: Cool Jazz, Jazz, Bossa nova. Paul Desmonds birth sign is Sagittarius and he had a ruling planet of Jupiter. He enjoyed his friendships with both musicians and writers, sometimes telling casual acquaintances that he was a writer. Twenty years after his death from cancer, his music still sells, is still played, and still moves people. He was very easy, because harmonically there was a real clear logic in everything he played musically. He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 53 years old group. Reset your passwordClick the eye to show your password. He is currently single. 156-157. 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). Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. 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? Paul Desmond. 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. His mother had some psychological issues such that Paul was sent off to live with relatives from elementary school age until his late teens. At the New Orleans Jazz Festival he played a soaring set with Gerry Mulligan. After years of chain smoking and poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 after a tour with Brubeck. 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. They were greeted with enthusiasm wherever they played until the deteriorating eyesight of drummer Joe Morello cut short the tour. 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. In 1954, the quartet was featured on Time Magazine. 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. , money, salary, income, and assets. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. 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. Then slowly, Desmond awoke. All Rights Reserved It is an oversized book, clothbound at 10 x 11. Desmond worked several times during his career with baritone saxophonist and band leader Gerry Mulligan. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes a local jazz events calendar. His ambition, he said, was to sound like a dry martini. 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. Whereas, Brubeck was a dedicated family man, Desmond was a very private person. The harmony was always right, the melodies were always right. There were also two albums with a Desmond/Gerry Mulligan quartet. She died in 2013. Desmonds encounter with the legendary Dave Brubeck has become a trademark story in the jazz world. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the cool jazz scene. Paul Desmonds income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Though he never abandoned his gift for writing, music won, and he concentrated on clarinet, then the saxophone. He blew on a couple of albums with his old friend Chet Baker. Born: November 25, 1924Died: May 30, 1977. He played his last gigs with the Brubeck Quartet at reunions before dying of lung cancer. So, how much is Paul Desmond worth at the age of 53 years old? His warm, elegant tone was one that he admittedly tried to make sound like a dry martini. Accompanying them were Brubeck's sons Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck and Darius Brubeck. Paul Desmond - Biography. The Dave Brubeck Quartet 25th Anniversary Reunion , A&M, 1976. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. Lesser known, however, are the personal traits of Desmond. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. 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 This is a jazz music websitespammers will be deleted. 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." Desmond also played with guitarist Jim Hall in New York City in 1971, and with Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert in Toronto. 19-45 Published by: Sage Publications, Inc. Born 30 August 1927 in Los Angeles. Also learn how He earned most of Paul Desmond networth? JazzStandards.com - All Rights Reserved Jazz at the College of the Pacific, Volume 2, Anything Goes! After high school, Desmond enrolled at San Francisco State College where he majored in English. For example, many of his acquaintances never knew that hed been previously married. Of course, the author goes into detail about Desmonds long association with Dave Brubeck and family. "[1], Desmond was married from 1947 to 1949 to Duane Reeves Lamon. 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. Later married Willis Dean Kaye (died 1986); they had one child, Christopher (1956-2014). [4] During Brubeck's Two Generations tours, Desmond and Mulligan shared the stage in 1974. In one Down Beat review he was described as "oftimes loud and pounding and seemingly at a loss for melodic ideas." 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. In 1976 Desmond played 25 shows in 25 nights with Brubeck, touring the United States by bus. It included dates with Gerry Mulligan for Verve, various sessions with Jim Hall, and a concert with the the Modern Jazz Quartet. History Much to his own amusement his liver was fine, "Pristine, one of the great livers of our time. Hall played on several albums recorded by Desmond between 1959 and 1963 for Warner Bros. and RCA Victor. Pauls education details are not available at this time. He began by playing clarinet in high school and was tutored in music theory by his father, a theater organist and arranger. Desmond was cremated and his ashes were scattered. By the time he reached college, he started playing the Alto Saxophone, which later became his most preferred instrument. 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. Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld in San Francisco, California, in 1924, the son of Shirley (ne King) and Emil Aron Breitenfeld. Is portrayed by John Timothy Burton in Crazy (2008). He died on May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. He was known for being a Saxophonist. 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]. People born under this sign are clever and charming. His last concert was with Brubeck in February 1977, in New York City. He is not dating anyone. The initials "G.I." Bookstore People of this zodiac sign like freedom, travel, philosophy, being outdoors and dislike clingy people, constrained, off-the-wall theories. [1] His grandfather Sigmund Breitenfeld, a medical doctor, was born in Austria in 1857; he and wife Hermine (ne Lewy) emigrated to the US at the end of the 19th century. Articles Paul Desmond was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California, USA. Some people called him the stork'Cause he would stand on one leg and leaned on the piano. "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/Paul-Desmond-200-2017.jpg", But that that was when he was playing great. [2] However, Fred Barton, songwriter/arranger and Desmond's cousin, found extensive genealogical proof that both the Breitenfeld and Lwy families were Bohemian Jews. Although this book is out of print, there are occasionally copies available in the used book ads, some priced at $100 or more. 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. 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) 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. Large format (10x11"), hard bound with dust jacket, 372 pages, 190 photos, matte paper; complete with discography of all Desmond recordings. A new biography of Paul Desmond is a jazz fan's delight. Also during this time, Brubeck became one of the first jazz musicians to regularly tour and conduct seminars at. Desmond hoped for a "tinky-boom" background-type drummer while Morello wanted to be recognized and featured. In their private lives Dave Brubeck and his family were very close to Paul Desmond, though the two men possessed very different personalities. After some time spent inactive, Desmond was asked to play the Half Note in New York City in 1971 by Hall. Never without his humor, after he was diagnosed with cancer he expressed pleasure at the health of his liver. - Paul Desmond. 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. 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. When the Quartet split up in 1967, Desmond unofficially retired. These were released on the albums She Was Too Good to Me, You Can't Go Home Again, and The Best Thing For You. With the immense success of Desmond's "Take Five," the Brubeck Quartet became the first million-selling jazz group. Who are the richest people in the world? His friends called him "the perennial bachelor" few knew that he had been married early in life. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. : same personnel. Biography in: "American National Biography". 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. Died : May 30, 1977 in New York City, New York. [5] He never remarried.[1]. In the 1940s and 1950s, Desmond frequently took amphetamines, and in the 1970s, he was known to use cocaine. Awash in Dewars and full of health." 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. It became the theme for the Quartet, de rigueur at all their concert appearances, and it made Desmond a small fortune in royalties. 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. The Singing Program of World War I: The Crusade for a Singing Army Author(s): E. Christina Chang Source: Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, Vol. Please check back soon for updates. The Breitenfeld family in Bohemia and Vienna featured musicians in every generation throughout the 1800s, 1900s, and to the present day. Played with the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1951 until 1967. Albums include Take Ten, Two of a Mind, and Brubeck Time. is military terminology referring to "Government Issue" or "General Issue". 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. There was an early marriage for Desmond but for various reasons, it didnt work out. ". It was first recorded in 1959 and is the third track on Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Playing with Desmond and Mulligan was really mind-blowing because they were such heroes for me. Perhaps it was their uncanny ability to play counterpoint that endeared them to their fans and to each other. Baker and Desmond also appeared together on two tracks included on Jim Hall's 1975 Concierto album. Real Name: Paul Emil Breitenfeld Profile: American jazz alto saxophonist and composer (Composed "Take Five" for the Dave Brubeck Quartet). 1991 Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. He died on 30 May 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. His ambition, he said, was to sound like a dry martini. Many of Desmond; own pieces have a breathy bossa nova lyricism, true to the Brazilian original, not the jivey Americanized version. Though various critics credited the success of the Dave Brubeck Quartet to Desmond's horn, others over-looked his playing as "too pretty". 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. When the Quartet split in 1967, Desmond began an intermittent yet satisfying recording career. Buy. Extensive biography of jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, one of the major jazz figures of all time, written by noted jazz critic Doug Ramsey. 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. 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 . The greatest overall compatibility with Sagittarius is Gemini and Aries. Jazz at Oberlin , Fantasy, 1953. 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 was also credited as the lead songwriter for the Quartets most famous composition, Take Five. Desmond had a falling out with Brubeck when he resigned from the Band Box and prevented Brubeck from taking over the residency. 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. 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 . Ramsey and Desmond were friends for a long period. 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. It was really easy to play." At that time, he began playing the alto saxophone, after being influenced by the likes of Lester Young and Charlie Parker. He had spoken to Don Thompson earlier that month, making plans to play New York with his quartet, but he never made it. So he just played the second half. - Paul Desmond. And he grinned. 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. 1 (Oct., 2001), pp. 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. [4], Following his military discharge, Paul Emil Breitenfeld legally changed his last name from Breitenfeld to Desmond in 1946. 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. The book details how Desmond was an only child whose father was a musician-composer in the San Francisco area. Like many famous people and celebrities, Paul Desmond kept his personal life private. Paul Emil Breitenfeld was born on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. We have estimated The Complete Recordings of the Paul Desmond Quartet with Jim Hall (1959-65) , Mosaic, 1988. 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 . National Public Radio - Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini', Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Paul Desmond. A short, witty piece entitled How Jazz Came to Orange County Fair was published in. Generation. Whos the richest Saxophonist in the world? He was great to play with. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. As guest soloist he ventured out with the Modern Jazz Quartet for a 1971 Christmas concert. 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. Discover what happened on this day. 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. | 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. 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.