Paul Desmond - Desmond: Here I Am

2 LPs on one Cd

Paul Desmond recorded his first two albums as a leader in 1954 and 1956, and they emphasized what fans of the Dave Brubeck Quartet already knew: his lyrical alto saxophone work made him one of the great individualists in jazz. My name is Paul Desmond, he wrote in the notes of the first album, and here I am 30 years old and this is my first album in which I am not breathing down someone elses neck... Paul plays with considerable vitality in the first four tracks, with excellent arrangements by Dave Van Kriedt, who shines also as a soloist on tenor sax. In his off-beat notes, Paul wrote, Van Kriedt develops themes like some people develop pictures. On the second half of the record Desmond plays against six voices through a graceful set of arrangements, with guitarist Barney Kessel added to the rhythm section.

The music on the second album features Don Elliott on mellophone in a pianoless quartet that follows the soft-styled approach they both favored. Desmonds alto playing is relaxed and inventive in keeping with the delicate sound. He maintains even control through all the registers of the instrument, quite a remarkable feat in itself.