Paul Desmond – Easy Living – RCA Victor/Sony Music/ Speakers Corner LSP-3480 -180 gm vinyl audiophile stereo LP – recorded 1963-1965 – released 1966 – ****1/2
(Paul Desmond – alto sax; Jim Hall – guitar; Gene Wright, Gene Cherico, or Percy Heath – bass; Connie Kay – drums)
Produced by George Avakian/ Recording Engineer – Ray Hall
The gorgeous tone produced by alto saxophonist, Paul Desmond was famously compared to a dry martini. Desmond was a master of the altissimo register on the alto sax. His alto high notes have a sensuousness that can only be compared to Willie Smith or Johnny Hodges, but Desmond’s tone to me comes closer to elegance than to the soulfulness that the other two alto giants possessed. Paul’s playing was seemingly effortless, that surely belied his talents.
Desmond was most famous for his extended tenure with Dave Brubeck, and also for composing “Take Five,” which may be the most well known jazz composition ever, especially for casual jazz fans.
After the late 1960s, his membership in Brubeck’s group was only periodic up until his death in 1977. Later in his career, Paul made a series of albums with cool toned guitarist, Jim Hall, that are available as a hard to find box set on RCA. Hall was a perfect partner for Desmond, as each was understated and lightly swinging, as they explored jazz standards. Their communication was symbiotic, and counterpoint was often used.
The boutique vinyl label, Speakers Corner, from Europe, has recently released Easy Living, which was recorded using three different bass players over a three year period, and issued in 1966. The drummer on all the sessions was Connie Kay, who was most famous for his time with the Modern Jazz Quartet. The bassists were Gene Wright (from Brubeck’s group); Gene Cherico (who was with Stan Getz at that time); and Percy Heath, the most well known, and brother of Jimmy and Tootie.
Song selection are well known standards, with the exception of “Blues for Fun,” the only uptempo, largely improvised tune recorded. This track has the only real bass solo on the album, this one features Gene Cherico.
“When Joanna Loved Me” opens on Side 1 with Paul’s breathy, velvety tone fully on display. Jim Hall gets his solo time, as well, as the pattern for the album gently falls into place. The bass and drums throughout strictly comp. On “Joanna” Gene Wright provides the steady heart beat that is noticeable, and contributes to the relaxed swing.
Paul Desmond
There is a great solo for Hall on “That Old Feeling.” The “floating on air” quality of Desmond’s playing is intoxicating. “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” is reflective in nature, and “Here’s That Rainy Day” closes the first side a bit more uptempo.
The title track pretty well confirms that Paul Desmond is the proper choice to describe its name. He makes it almost effortless, as such is easy living. Both “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “Bewitched” are classic tunes, and ear candy for late night listening. The closing “Blues for Fun” as mentioned earlier, lets the alto/guitar duo stretch out a bit to improvise, and give some “heat” and has the welcome solo from Cherico.
All in all, a winning session from two consummate pros, and the acoustics are top notch as engineer, Ray Hall, as usual, was well up to the task. Vinyl lovers and fans of Desmond and Hall, will surely enjoy this warmly recorded re-release.
Tracklist:
Side 1:
When Joanna Loved Me
That Old Feeling
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Here’s That Rainy Day
Side 2:
Easy Living
I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face
Bewitched
Blues for Fun
—Jeff Krow
