Biography
Paul Desmond, born Paul Emil Breitenfeld on November 25, 1924, in San Francisco, California, began his musical journey playing clarinet in high school before switching to alto saxophone. He adopted the stage name 'Desmond' inspired by singer Johnny Desmond from Glenn Miller's band. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army and met pianist Dave Brubeck in 1944 while Brubeck auditioned for Desmond's Army band, impressing him with innovative chord changes. After the war, Desmond worked with clarinetist Jack Fina and Alvino Rey, but returned to San Francisco upon hearing Brubeck's trio, leading to the formation of the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet, with Desmond and Brubeck as permanent members, evolved through personnel changes, stabilizing with bassist Eugene Wright in 1958 and drummer Joe Morello in 1956—whom Desmond had recommended despite later tensions over Morello's aggressive style. Desmond's light, airy, melodic alto saxophone tone, often described as 'like a dry martini,' epitomized cool jazz and contrasted beautifully with Brubeck's heavier polytonal piano. Their breakthrough came with the 1959 album Time Out, featuring Desmond's composition 'Take Five' in 5/4 time, which became the best-selling jazz single ever, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Grammy Hall of Fame induction in 1996. The quartet's popularity soared with college audiences, albums like Jazz at Oberlin (1953) and Jazz Goes to College (1954), and global tours until disbanding in 1967.
Post-quartet, Desmond freelanced, wrote briefly, and reunited with Brubeck for 1970s tours like 'Two Generations of Brubeck' with Brubeck's sons. Diagnosed with lung cancer, he gave his final performance with Brubeck in 1977 and died on May 30, 1977, in New York. Desmond's legacy endures through his cool jazz innovations, lyrical improvisations, and the timeless appeal of the Dave Brubeck Quartet's music.
Fun Facts
- Desmond chose his stage name from singer Johnny Desmond of Glenn Miller's band.
- He drafted a contract with Brubeck stipulating Brubeck couldn't fire him, ensuring 20% profits while naming Brubeck leader.
- Desmond read books during Joe Morello's drum solos on recordings and didn't speak to him for a year after Morello joined, threatening to quit over style clashes.
- Part of Desmond's estate was donated to the American Red Cross.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lee Konitz - stylistic influence on Desmond's cool jazz alto saxophone approach (general style emulation) [1940s-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Dave Brubeck - co-leader and pianist in the Dave Brubeck Quartet; met in Army 1944, formed group 1951 (Time Out (1959), Jazz at Oberlin (1953), reunion tours 1970s) [1944-1977]
- Eugene Wright - bassist in Dave Brubeck Quartet (Time Out (1959), Time Further Out) [1958-1967]
- Joe Morello - drummer in Dave Brubeck Quartet; recommended by Desmond in 1956 despite initial tensions (Take Five (1959), Jazz Goes to College (1954)) [1956-1967]
- Jack Fina - clarinettist Desmond worked with post-Army (undisclosed recordings) [late 1940s]
- Alvino Rey - early career collaboration (undisclosed recordings) [late 1940s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Paul Desmond Quartet has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.