If Paul Desmond ever took it into his mind to bolt from the Brubeck stable and form his own group Jim Hall would have to be in it. On record at least the Desmond alto and the Hall guitar are as lyrical a combination as you could wish to encounter.
The saxophonist’s method has changed hardly at all with the years. His style remains virtually unaltered, apart from a few refinements, since those first Brubeck quartet sides for Fantasy. I know there are those who will accuse Paul of artistic stagnation. But do they have any right to expect a man who has perfected a personal mode of expression, to toss it aside? I think not. Success in Desmond’s case is built on good taste and sincerity, virtues that have never been in shorter supply on the jazz scene than at the moment.
Hall happens to be another musician of the same ilk – dedicated to his craft. Jim was late in developing a mature approach. A stay with Sonny Rollins provided him with the necessary impetus. He continues to improve and on this set takes several fine solos. Desmond too is his usual fluent self. And the pair indulge in deceptively easy counterpoint at frequent intervals.
I doubt whether a drop of sweat was shed in the making of this album. All is relaxed and cool. No strain, no muscle, just sweet (not meaning cloying) and restful sounds. Very agreeable. More please.
Discography
Glad To Be Unhappy; Poor Butterfly; Stranger In Town (20 min) – A Taste Of Honey; Any Other Time; Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo; Angel Eyes (21½ min)
Paul Desmond (alt); Jim Hall (g); Gene Wright (bs); Connie Kay (d). Webster Hall, NYC, 1965. Gene Cherico (bs) replaces Wright on ‘Poor Butterfly’. Same date.
(RCA Victor RD 7761 or SF-7761 32s. 2d.)
