December 25, 1997–January 1, 1998
disc quicks|jazz
jazz
Paul Desmond
The Complete RCA Victor Recordings featuring Jim Hall (RCA, five CDs, $69.99)
Familiar to most as the upright/uptight white guy who blew a studiously bouncy pulse over Dave Brubeck's haunting "Take Five," alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, in his own right, was a legendary leader, composer and smooth groove progenitor. Desmond was notorious for being "the world's slowest, quietest alto player"—a title made true by this package. His horn's tone—while lacking the spiritual fire or zoned epiphany of Coltrane—sails along with grace and dignity. Joined by flouncy guitarist Jim Hall—one of the first guys to bring the bossa nova back from Brazil—Desmond's sound is cool and airy-light; the West Coast sound of Stan Getz and Chet Baker by way of Manhattan. Desmond embraces the melody to each standard—a bright orchestral take of "Then I'll Be Tired Of You," a lonely baroque "My Funny Valentine," and an almost morbid but enrapturing "Ill Wind." Never flying off the handle, Desmond, Hall and the legendary likes of brush-heavy drummer Connie Kay and fluid bassist Percy Heath bounce off each other like slightly drunken waiters wearing padded suits. On "Theme From Black Orpheus" and "Samba De Orpheu" cymbals gently spin and guitars glisten while Desmond rides each chord weightlessly. It's this spacious grandeur that Desmond & Co. carry throughout the rest of the compilation. Each lilting moment, each sandy samba is like watching a dark sky full of stars.
