Referring to the “Going Like 80 (+)” post of November 23, Rifftides reader Ned Corman writes:
And, of course, Paul would have been 87, if I have it right.
Yes, he was born on Thanksgiving, November 25, 1924. It has become a Rifftides tradition to observe the occasion. Lamenting Paul’s absence, one of Desmond’s favorite playing and socializing partners, Jim Hall, once said that he would have been a great old man. That makes sense; he was a great young man. Dave Brubeck said, “Boy, I sure miss Paul Desmond.”
I found this photograph among Desmond’s belongings and included it in his biography. Undated, probably from the late 1950s, it shows Paul and Duke Ellington chatting at the railing of a ship. Where they were bound, I have been unable to discover. Remembering both, let’s watch and listen to Desmond as he solos with the classic Brubeck Quartet on Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train.” This was at the University of Rome in 1959.
Now, here’s Desmond with his own quartet from the Pure Desmond album (1974), with Ellington’s “Warm Valley.” Ed Bickert, guitar; Ron Carter, bass; Connie Kay, drums.
Brubeck’s not alone; boy, I sure miss Paul Desmond.
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
An evening at a jazz-bar. Two men are sitting at a table discussing music and musicians. One is championing the work of a modern young saxophonist in glowing terms:
“His music will be played when Paul Desmond is forgotten”
The other replies nonchalantly:
“Hmmm, and not until!”
Happy birthday, Paul !
What a great comeback! Music like Paul Desmond’s will never be forgotten. I keep hoping that somewhere someone will find some previously unreleased material out there and a new DVD will be available! Happy birthday Paul!
Kathy, I share your hope. One unreleased item exists somewhere in the CBS vaults. In case you haven’t come across this, some of the audio is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY8dXgd1ydw
I think Paul’s solo here is a miniature masterpiece.
Thank you for choosing “Warm Valley” as a memento for Paul, Doug!
I would follow “Rifftides” if only for the Desmond stuff….but there are so many blessings here, thank you Doug.
Man, the “Warm Valley” piece is something! What a beautiful sound Desmond had!
Just like last year – the tears.