If you share my opinion that "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live" is some of the best work that Paul Desmond ever did you will want this CD. Simply, this is part two of that live session. The same incredible sidemen and the same beautiful, tasteful jazz. I have been listening to these recordings since they were first released in the seventies and still find myself identifying new moments of brilliance that I had not noticed before.
Anyone interested in learning to play jazz on any instrument needs only to master a few of Desmond's phrases in order to gain great insight into tasteful, effective improvisation.
If you're a fan of cool jazz look no further, this is it! November 22, 2003
 |  | Desmond in his final setting |  |
Paul Desmond's final solo live shows were played with an excellent collection of Canadian musicians, including an excellent guitar played named Ed Bickert. Only a few records have been professionally released by this quartet, which is a shame because they had a distint down-tempo and cool sound and sported some of Desmonds most emotional and assured sax playing. This album is great for fans of the more laid back Desmond, and contains so treats like a version of the Desmond staple "Tangerine." Recently, however, another album was released on CD by Desmonds Canadian quartet titled "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live," and although it's more of the same it outshines this release. It's a little bit more intense, a lot more emotional, and a whole lot more intimate than this release. The song choices for that concert were also stellar. "Like Someone in Love" is strongly recommended only for those who already have and enjoy "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live."
August 19, 2002 | | Some of Desmond's best solos | |
When I bought this recording I was only familar with Desmond through the song "Take Five". This CD, recorded live at a club called Bourbon Street in Toronto, shows Desmond and company playing standards in a variety of styles - none of them in 5/4. "Tangerine" is a bright little number that has one of the best Desmond solos ever. The band gets Brazilian on Jobim's "Meditation" and melancholy on Django Reinhardt's "Nuages". The blues get turned inside out on Ellington's "Things Ain't What They Used To Be" with bluesy solos from Desmond and guitarist Ed Bickert. Don Thompson (bass) and Jerry Fuller (drums) provide ample support although the dynamics of the recording make them sound slightly muted.
The recording quality is a little weak; other than the sax the band's sound is slightly muffled. And it can be intrusive to hear silverware clanging against china during the bass solos - not to mention the talking. But this is a great recording and any audible distractions will be overridden by the quality of the performances. A good introduction to Paul Desmond's skills as a soloist and interpreter of standards. January 9, 2001
| | | Rare live vintage Desmond | |
I noticed that this CD has yet to be reviewed. That is a shame because this is probably Desmond's best live recording as a leader. Any live recording of Desmond's is to be savored. But, this one is truly outstanding. This was recorded near the end of his career (about 2 years before his death). He is accompanied by a hand-picked trio of superb Canadian musicians. I highly recommend this recording to any fan of intimate live club jazz.
August 18, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
