What makes Paul Desmond by Paul Desmond notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its sophisticated arrangements and Desmond's expressive playing, contributing to the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz forms during the late 1970s. It is often recognized as one of Desmond's finest recordings, solidifying his legacy in the genre. By 1978, Paul Desmond was already an established figure in jazz, known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. This album marked his return to the recording scene as a bandleader after a hiatus, featuring a collection of standards that emphasized his unique alto saxophone style.

How many songs are on Paul Desmond?

Paul Desmond has 5 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Paul Desmond

Paul Desmond · 1978

45 min · 5 tracks · jazz

Smooth, melodic jazz harmonies intertwine with intricate improvisation, showcasing Desmond's signature cool tone and lyrical phrasing.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Audrey — This track stands out for its poignant melody and expressive soloing, capturing Desmond's ability to evoke deep emotion through simplicity.
→
When Sunny Gets Blue — Desmond's interpretation transforms this classic ballad into a reflective journey, demonstrating his lyrical approach to improvisation and phrasing.
→
Darn That Dream — The lush arrangement complements Desmond’s smooth tone, showcasing his mastery of both melody and harmony while inviting listeners into a dreamlike soundscape.

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 expressive playing and sophisticated arrangements create a strong yet accessible jazz experience.

What we noticed

Each track features a consistent interplay between Desmond's smooth saxophone and the rhythm section, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
The album includes several extended improvisational sections, allowing for intricate melodic development and interaction among musicians.
The arrangements are characterized by lush harmonies and subtle dynamics, with a focus on melody rather than complex chord progressions.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Too Marvelous For Words 6:38
2 Audrey 9:26
3 Line For Lyons 7:22
4 When Sunny Gets Blue 11:36
5 Darn That Dream 10:43

What to play next

Listen next

Easy Living

1986

Go back to

Live

1976

Full Paul Desmond discography Artists like Paul Desmond

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata