Paul Desmond & Jim Hall Quartet Complete Recordings Genres:Jazz, Pop An outstanding 4-cd collection comprising the complete master takes by paul desmond's pianoless quartet with jim hall. Produced under superb studio conditions, these are some of the very best recordings ever made by the sa... more »xophonist.« less
An outstanding 4-cd collection comprising the complete master takes by paul desmond's pianoless quartet with jim hall. Produced under superb studio conditions, these are some of the very best recordings ever made by the saxophonist.
CD Reviews
By the way...
bruce horner | 08/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I reviewed this set before I should have mentioned that it's not EXACTLY like the corresponding Mosaic box. A Warner Brothers album that was included on the Mosaic set is replaced here by an RCA album with strings (Desmond Blue)----the arrangements are not terrible but to these ears simply unnecessary. This was music with a compelling inner logic that required no sweetening. Adding strings to the interplay between Jim Hall and Desmond is kind of like adding extra syllables to a haiku, at least to my mind. But though I'd have to put the Mosaic set half a notch higher, it HAS been out of print for some years, so unless you want to tape it from a friend or library (or God forbid, get it off eBay) this 5-CD box is almost as good a deal. And hey, no surface noise."
Desmond: A Unique Jazz Stylist In A Perfect Setting
bruce horner | 07/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Desmond still doesn't get his due. After playing with the Brubeck band for so many years, his considerable individual talents were overlooked or dismissed. Now he's almost as forgotten as Buddy DeFranco. The fact is, he was as original and commanding a player as Stan Getz or Lee Konitz, and just as deserving of attention. Outside of the Brubeck band he seemed to prefer playing with guitarists instead of pianists (is it any wonder?) and these sessions with the redoubtable Jim Hall show Desmond at his best. Both Desmond and Hall particularly shine on disc one, among the best tracks Desmond ever recorded. I originally bought most of this stuff as a Mosaic vinyl boxed set, but I'm very tempted to get this reissue just to have a copy free of any possible surface noise."
The Art of Improvisation
bruce horner | 06/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I read a response from one reviewer and had to respond. This CD is an absolute must for anyone who loves Jazz. Desmond and Hall are two gifted players who both possess a sound that is immediately identifiable. Along with their unique sound, they possessed an equally unique approach. I listened to this and I couldn't think of a place where they played an extra note and the sound is just beautiful. In an age of overkill, the Art of restraint in Music is too often overlooked. Listen to the masters of restraint. This is Art and if you can't hear it here, you probably don't really like great improvisation, in my humble opinion....."
Quiet, intense music
Steven C. Berry | Edmonds WA | 01/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Because both Desmond and Hall played so quietly and melodically, their music is often grouped with "mellow" jazz. I am here to tell you that this music is quiet but packs an emotional whallop. Desmond's humor was captured not only in his written word but also in his playing and the structure of his songs. He was wise and fortunate enough to hook up with Hall, who actually listens to the other musicians, and speaks as distinctly when comping as when soloing. I have the (out-of-print) Mosaic box set (which includes music from an early Warner Brothers LP but not the "Desmond Blue" LP (which I had to purchase separately). If you like quiet jazz which challenges you without overwhelming you, try this set or one of the individual Desmond/Hall CDs."
The Romantic Duo: Paul Desmond and Jim Hall.
Emma Mkrtchian | Davis, CA USA | 07/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of the most beautiful and innovative solos , both saxophone and guitar, can be heard on these recordings. Although the general feel is mellow for most tracks, the thoughtfulness and the elegance of Desmond's solos stimulates the brain of the careful listener no less than a genetics course. I can go on and on trying to describe the magic that happens everytime the man blows into his alto sax, but words are ambiguous. Listen to some sample tracks to know what I am feeling , what I am thinking everytime Desmond blows a note."
