The Best of the Complete Paul Desmond RCA Victor Recordings

Paul Desmond

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 7, 2000)
• Original Release Date: March 7, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00004NKA3
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,721 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Paul Desmond's supremely lyrical alto saxophone and his gift for odd time signatures nestled for decades in the Dave Brubeck quartet, but there's something very special about the recording dates he made under his own name. This one-CD digest of the five-CD Complete Paul Desmond RCA Victor Recordings collects tracks recorded between 1961 and 1965, usually with the altoist matched with the superb guitarist Jim Hall, a musician possessed of comparable lyricism, economy, and harmonic gifts. The settings range from woodwinds and strings to subtle Latin rhythms; throughout there are beautifully realized versions of the standard repertoire, with tunes like "My Funny Valentine" heard through the luminous gauze of Desmond's sound. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb. An utterly unique musical voice. Lyricism and taste personified., February 26, 2008

By	John McKinna (Key Largo, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

Paul Desmond was unique. His alto tone, phrasing, melodicism,and lyricism were--and are--of the highest caliber. His beautiful, inventive, and well-trained approach was undoubtedly at its best when contrasted with Dave Brubeck's odd, punchy piano rhythms, but these cuts with the incomparable Jim Hall on guitar also display his mastery to great effect. I love this multi-CD collection and play it often at work in my office. It is the sound of taste, skill, intelligence, and inspiration personified. Buy it immediately. It is the sound of irreplaceable talent.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Enjoyable, Memorable: Material, Playing, Recording, May 6, 2007

By	R. Widebrook (Menlo Park, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This has been one of my "evergreen" favorite CDs for some time. Makes for a captivating listening session. The cut "By The River St. Marie" just shimmers with sensitive, tuneful melody and structure, held aloft by sweet interplaying between Desmond and Hall. Yes, the complete RCA issue is tempting, but consider this a fulfilling standalone collection-within-a-collection.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Listening, April 7, 2008

By	R. Pyzik (Shelton, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have always liked Paul Desmond when teamed with Dave Brubeck. If you like alto sax you will definitely enjoy listening to this CD. The song selection is great.