Nancy (With the Laughing Face) - Paul Desmond, Silvers, Phil
Body and Soul - Paul Desmond, Eyton, Frank
Poor Butterfly - Paul Desmond, Golden, John [Broad
By the River Sainte Marie - Paul Desmond, Leslie, Edgar
Bossa Antigua - Paul Desmond, Desmond, Paul
The Night Has a Thousand Eyes - Paul Desmond, Bernier, Buddy
When Joanna Loved Me - Paul Desmond, Segal, Jack
I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face - Paul Desmond, Lerner, Alan Jay
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.... more » 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« less
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
Superb. An utterly unique musical voice. Lyricism and tast
John McKinna | Key Largo, Florida United States | 02/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
R. Widebrook | Menlo Park, CA United States | 05/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Some of the best.
Andrew D. Kemp | 12/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The RCA Victor recordings are the best of Paul Desmond. Deep clear sound, not a lot of instraments playing over Paul."
Great Listening
R. Pyzik | Shelton, WA United States | 04/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Desmonds - The Best
Sandra J. Stipp | Mission Viejo, CA. | 01/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful as usual. If you love Paul Desmond's beautiful sax sounds then this is the collection for you. I have had this collection for many years and every time I play the CD's it's like the first time hearing Paul. Every Desmond fan must have this collection."