Paul Desmond: Take Ten
Musicians:
Paul Desmond (alto sax), Jim Hall (guitar), Eugene Wright (bass), Connie Kay (drums).
Composed by Paul Desmond
.Recorded: New York, June 25, 1963
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond had a deal. Whenever Desmond recorded as leader, to avoid competing with Brubeck's Quartet, there'd be no piano. So Paul recorded with Gerry Mulligan-type pianoless quartets—twice with Mulligan, more often with Jim Hall. Desmond, who habitually leaned against Brubeck's piano after soloing, joked that Hall "complains when I lean on his guitar." Otherwise, this match of the self-effacing was ideal. Following Brubeck's smash hit "Take Five," Desmond could not avoid a sequel. His 5/4 bossa nova "Take Ten" has a laid-back charm and too-short Middle Eastern modal solo from Paul that easily recommend it.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
Tags: modal jazz · odd time meters
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