Paul Desmond

spike · May 31, 2006

Didn't want to Hi-jack the Hodges thread, rather start this one with my favourite Paul Desmond quote:

"I tried practicing for a few weeks and ended up playing too fast."

his "martini" one is a classic but this one makes me feel better when I'm too lazy to do my daily exercises.

Does anyone know what he said about playing the sax without having to blow, I can't find it anywhere.

Bobby G · May 31, 2006

What I've heard of Paul is very nice, I'm not over-familiar with his stuff as I am working my way from wild'n'wooly towards the 'better-toned' players like Hodges, Desmond etc. However, if he's the slowest player around, I'll definitely be listening out for more, copping a few licks no doubt! Kind of the antithesis of the Bird/Cannonball school of speedy playing, but I love them because their playing is precise enough that the notes don't just blur together...

tengu01 · May 31, 2006

One of the things that makes his playing so exquisite is his note choices. He may not play like lightning but his lines are very musical and logical.

I am trying to learn how to "say something" while improvising rather than finger-waggling notes I know will fit the chord. He is really nice to learn from because you can see how to construct really singing phrases that are related with the melody and logically follow on from each other.

With some proponents of the "faster, faster, faster" school of thought, while in some cases demonstrating intensity and technical mastery, sometimes I feel that a critical element of musicality is lost in the process.

arazi440 · Jun 16, 2006

Fantastic Player, check the video out in the link to see the master at work 🙂

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/dave+brubeck/video/98781

Saxlicker · Jul 4, 2006

As the sweltering temperatures of our mid-summer heatwave started to dissipate into early evening, I ventured out into my suprisingly tranquil garden armed with just an IPOD and small docking station with external speakers, and headed for the sun lounger.

Scrolling through the menu of the IPOD, I find 'Impressions of Eurasia'.
At a volume just loud enough to mix with the singing of the birds I relax, eyes shut with a refreshing 'healthy option' of chilled water.
The unmistakeable light and airy soothing phrases of Mr Desmond start to tickle and induce the release of endorphins.

In these circumstances, its very easy to see there is more, much much more than just 'take five'.
I for one, have neglected to listen further than that tune until now.
Hoorah Hoorah and applause for Paul Desmond & The Dave Brubeck quartet!

Saxlicker

oliver_bentley · Jul 11, 2006

Blue Rondo A La Turk - the first ever jazz piece I heard, my first piano teacher played it to me when I was about 7/8 - blew my mind. Still one of the greatest Jazz compositions IMO.

As for Desmond with Brubeck was superb, without Brubeck he's good, but just a bit cheesy. Amazing tone though, so think we'll let the guy off.

spike · Sep 7, 2006

?I have won several prizes as the world?s slowest alto player,
as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness.?

oliver_bentley · Sep 7, 2006

lol - love the quote. don't think I'll ever be winning the second one of those awards mind.

Bobby G · Sep 7, 2006

I'd love to get a special award for quiet playing, then I could play at home without deafening the neighbours. I seem to be able to play quiet throughout, but my tone gets a bit thin at the top end. Any tips on playing quietly gratefully received. Maybe I should post this somewhere else.

Cheers, Bob

oliver_bentley · Sep 7, 2006

ah ha - and you did, and I replied somwhere else too. For a minute there I thought I was having a relapse of last weeks missing posts, and now I was getting extra to compensate. Hmmm - I should really visit here at more normal hours of the day when I'm actually awake :erm:

ken_aust · Sep 8, 2006

Paul desmond had a penchant for high class models. After one particular gig he was invited back to one of these ladys apartment for a quiet drink. As his host was mixing some drinks, she noticed that he was showing great interest in her huge array of ferns throughout the room. On returning with the drinks, she apologised for not having any flowers in the room to which Paul replied, " with fronds like these, who needs anemones "

How many of you are there in your quartet, Mr. Brubeck ?

Ken Aust

Bobby G · Sep 8, 2006

Ken Aust wrote:

How many of you are there in your quartet, Mr. Brubeck ?

Ken Aust

This reminds me of a beach cafe/bar at Polzeath, where they have a chalkboard with customers eejit questions, such as 'is the tide coming in today?' and 'how do you cook your fried bread?'

ken_aust · Sep 8, 2006

The best Paul Desmond that I have ever heard is on the album "Jazz at Oberlin " recorded live at Oberlin College, Northern Ohio, March 2 1953. Superb. This is Desmond without the annoying "cool" vibrato. It is on the Ace of Hearts label, label no.AH 167. Enjoy.
Ken.

ken_aust · Sep 11, 2006

Paul Desmond Weidenfeld also said when he was dying of cancer, " Dont go through with all this chemo - therapy stuff, just fill your bar / sideboard full of bottles of Scotch and go out with a smile on your face ".
Ken

spike · Sep 11, 2006

@Ken Aust
I believe his original surname was Breitenfeld - which he changed cos he thought it sounded too Irish.

also when diagnosed for cancer, he was ironically pleased that his liver was fine. "Pristine, perfect. One of the great livers of our time. Awash in Dewars and full of health."

ciao fer now - spike

ken_aust · Sep 12, 2006

Sorry for getting the surname wrong Spike. I have a penchant for doing this but you must admit that it was close.
We're sliding a gong on the chest of a slave , Sea Scouts
anthem.
Ken.