Search - Paul Desmond :: Late Lament

The Coolest Jazz There Is

09/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a revelation. If all you know of Desmond is his fine back-up work for Dave Brubeck (even the great "Take Five," which Desmond wrote), you cannot be prepared for the astonishing lyricism of "Late Lament." A reviewer of the RCA complete recordings (which includes this album) criticizes Desmond's "lack of voice." Nothing could be further from the truth. Desmond imprints every tune with his own signature... one which produces a sometimes unnerving feeling as Desmond overshadows his material so completely. The differences between songs as diverse as Body and Soul, My Funny Valentine, I've Got You Under My Skin fade behind this man's overwhelming SOUND. If you want musical wallpaper, yes, it all sounds "the same." If you're listening, however, you'll find Desmond improvising with such subtle authority that he's actually creating new tunes... not scales, not clever riffs, not neatly repackaged borrowings... whole new songs get produced during a chorus, only to be reinvented anew as Desmond swings around for a 2nd and sometimes 3rd time. And the scary thing is that *his* tunes are better than the originals more often than not (these solos could easily, easily be copied down and played as songs in their own right). What a disciplined and creative musical mind! Desmond is a true eclectic. His core style is a Lester Young softness, yet his Brubeck years have clearly honed his originality, tempering his alto "singing" with all sorts of quirky, creative, surprising effects. But what begins and ends this work is the overwhelming tone... I'd love to hear Desmond play scales and whole tones... he's that good, that pure. Coupled with his unmatched improvisational talent, he's simply the best lyrical sax player...ever. The album should be praised also for the impecable arrangements and superb backup musicians... particularly the guitarist, who's simply astounding."

Late Lament = Desmond Blue

A. P. Van Kampen | krommenie, Netherlands | 05/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music is just great, no problem with that at all.

But if you already own Paul Desmond's materpiece "Desmond Blue" you can save money!

Because this "Late Lament" is the same as "Desmond Blue".

I really can NOT understand why this record company, Bluebird, RCA, Victor (who is who?)is doing this to music lovers.

So when you like to have another splendid Desmond go for "Live" with guitarist Ed Bickert, or propably his very best the "Edmonton Concert".

Okay no strings, but Paul Desmond with the best quartet he ever had: his own. (sorry Dave)

Enjoy.



Arnold van Kampen, writer about jazz.

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