Biography
Paul Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld on November 25, 1924, in San Francisco, California. His father, a pianist and organist in silent films, introduced him to music early on. Desmond initially played the clarinet before transitioning to the alto saxophone. He met pianist Dave Brubeck during his military service in 1944, and they later formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951. This partnership lasted for seventeen years and included hits like Jazz at Oberlin and Jazz Goes to College. Desmond's most famous composition, Take Five, was a groundbreaking piece in 5/4 time that became a huge success. After the quartet disbanded in 1967, Desmond continued to record and perform with other notable musicians like Gerry Mulligan and Jim Hall. He was known for his fluid, airy playing style and clear tone. Desmond passed away in 1977 due to lung cancer. His legacy includes not only his contributions to jazz but also his bequest of Take Five royalties to the Red Cross.
Desmond's musical style was characterized by a cool, melodic approach that complemented Brubeck's polytonal playing. He was a key figure in popularizing jazz through college tours and international performances. His work spanned genres from cool jazz to bossa nova, reflecting his versatility as a composer and performer.
Throughout his career, Desmond maintained a strong connection with his musical community, often collaborating with other jazz legends. His influence on jazz extends beyond his own compositions, as his unique sound and style have inspired generations of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Paul Desmond changed his name from Paul Emil Breitenfeld to Desmond in 1946, possibly inspired by Johnny Desmond of Glenn Miller's band.
- He struggled with addictions, including alcoholism and substance abuse, throughout his life.
- Desmond specified in his will that all earnings from 'Take Five' would be donated to the Red Cross after his passing.
Associated Acts
- The Dave Brubeck Quartet - original (1951–1967)
- The Dave Brubeck Octet
- The Paul Desmond Quartet - eponymous
- Paul Desmond and Jim Hall Quartet - eponymous, original
- Gerry Mulligan – Paul Desmond Quartet - alto saxophone, eponymous
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- His Father - early musical influence and tutoring in music theory (None) [Early life]
Key Collaborators
- Dave Brubeck - Co-founder of the Dave Brubeck Quartet (Jazz at Oberlin, Jazz Goes to College, Time Out) [1951-1967]
- Gerry Mulligan - Collaborations in pianoless groups (Various duets and live performances) [Post-1967]
- Jim Hall - Collaborations in pianoless groups (Various duets and live performances) [Post-1967]
- Chet Baker - Recordings and performances (1970s collaborations) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Various Jazz Musicians - Influence through his unique saxophone style and compositions like 'Take Five' (General jazz repertoire) [Ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Complete RCA Victor Recordings | 1963 | Album |
| Bossa Antigua | 1997 | Album |
| Take Ten | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Bridge Over Troubled Water | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| Summertime | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| Desmond Blue | 2002-05-25 | Album |
| Glad To Be Unhappy | 1965-01-01 | Album |
| Two Of A Mind | 1996-05-25 | Album |
| First Place Again | 1959 | Album |
| 1975: The Duets | 1975-01-01 | Album |
| Gerry Mulligan - Paul Desmond Quartet / Blues In Time | 1957-12-01 | Album |
| Late Lament | 1992-09-17 | Album |
| Falling In Love With Paul Desmond | 1999-11-01 | Album |
| From The Hot Afternoon (Expanded Edition) | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| Nice People | 2021-09-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Bossa Antigua (The Complete RCA Victor Recordings)
- A Taste of Honey - Live
- I've Got You Under My Skin - 2011 Remaster (Desmond Blue)
- Samba Cantina (The Complete RCA Victor Recordings)
- Bossa Antigua (Bossa Antigua)
- Emily (Summertime)
- The Theme from "Black Orpheus" (The Complete RCA Victor Recordings)
- For All We Know (First Place Again)
- A Taste of Honey (The Complete RCA Victor Recordings)
- Wave
External Links
Tags: #cool-jazz, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
PAUL DESMOND has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | 16:40 | TAKE TENfrom TAKE TEN | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean |