What makes First Place Again by Paul Desmond notable?

First Place Again is notable for its critical acclaim, establishing Desmond as a prominent figure in the jazz genre. The album was well-received, contributing to the evolution of cool jazz and influencing subsequent artists with its sophisticated arrangements and lyrical improvisations. Released in 1959, First Place Again was Paul Desmond's first album as a bandleader after gaining fame with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. This album marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his unique style and compositional abilities apart from the quartet's well-known sound.

How many songs are on First Place Again?

First Place Again has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

First Place Again

Paul Desmond · 1959

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of cool jazz harmonies and melodic improvisation featuring Desmond's signature alto saxophone tone.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Get a Kick Out of You — The track showcases Desmond's playful phrasing and expressive tone, making it a standout interpretation of this classic tune.
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For All We Know — This song features lush harmonies and emotional depth, revealing Desmond's ability to convey sentiment through his saxophone.
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Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West — This composition highlights Desmond's innovative approach to melody and rhythm, demonstrating his skill as both a performer and composer.
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You Go to My Head — Desmond’s rendition brings a fresh perspective to the standard, combining intricate improvisation with a nostalgic feel.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Desmond's smooth melodies and cohesive arrangements define this notable cool jazz album.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of smooth, flowing melodies primarily driven by Desmond's alto saxophone, with subtle piano and rhythm section support.
Each track maintains a relaxed tempo, with improvisational sections that allow for expressive solos while keeping the overall mood cohesive.
The arrangements often include intricate harmonies that complement the lead saxophone lines, enhancing the cool jazz aesthetic.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

For All We Know

The moment shifts from sweet melodies to a more introspective section that deepens the emotional impact of the song.

This transition showcases Desmond’s ability to manipulate mood through instrumental dynamics, enhancing the listener's connection to the piece.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I Get a Kick Out of You 8:40
2 For All We Know 5:34
3 Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West 7:28
4 Greensleeves 2:05
5 You Go to My Head 6:28
6 East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) 5:46
7 Time After Time 6:10

What to play next

Listen next

Desmond Blue

1962

Full Paul Desmond discography Artists like Paul Desmond

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata