Excellent Desmond
P. Straub | New York, NY | 06/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here the great alto player is in fine late-stage form, playing with wit, relaxation, and swing in Edmunton with Ed Bickert. The man was was one of the greatest jazz musicians ever born, and everything about him seems to be unique."
Superb and Rare Desmond!
A. P. Van Kampen | krommenie, Netherlands | 01/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paul Desmond recorded his best records outside the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the very best of his recordings was certainly "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live" , originally issued on a double-LP and now on cd too.
From the same splendid recordings of October and November 1975 in Toronto, Canada is a must have LP on Artist House AH-2, with just a drawing of the great saxofonist on a white cover. These great recordings are with Ed Bickert, guitar,Don Thompson, bass and Jerry Fuller, drums.
Now in addition to these rare treasures we are now in for a wonderfull surprise: "Edmonton Festival 1976" with the same group that did so wonderfull in Toronto in 1975.
This concert is from April 14, 1976 and is to me already "The most fine jazz finding of the year".
All members of this quartet are in splendid shape and perform at "after hours" speed, making this an album for the late evening, a fireplace, a good wine and fine company.
Of course you can listen to the entire concert and admire, time after time, what Paul Desmond did to tunes like "Wave" and "Wendy".
But this is also the ultimate easy listening cd.
Although I was always very fond of the earlier mentioned recordings in Toronto, this concert is even better.
Since I bought it, it never left my cd-player.
Do yourself or your girlfriend or wife a pleasure and buy it!
I am sure it will give you hours and hours of tender moments..........
Arnold van Kampen,writer about jazz, Netherlands."
Nice playing, but tame even for Desmond
James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 03/19/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Paul Desmond set the standard for mellow alto sax, and I've always loved his playing. He sounds good here, and so does the rest of the quartet, but there's no variation in the energy level, which is a bit surprising for a live performance. I've heard some earlier live recordings where Desmond cuts loose with some hot licks, but all six tracks in this collection will go straight to your easy listening jazz playlist.
If you're a Desmond collector, be prepared to hear things you've heard before. For example, he does "Just Squeeze Me" and "Wave" from the "Pure Desmond" album, using extended versions of the same arrangements. Obviously, his signature tune "Take Five" has been recorded before, and this rendition doesn't introduce anything new.
If you don't have a lot of Desmond in your collection and you want some beautiful light jazz featuring alto sax and guitar, this is a great choice that gives you an hour of music, plus the booklet insert includes a transcript of a radio interview Desmond did immediately after this 1976 performance. If you're looking for more variety or more energy, you won't find this satisfying."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1