Complete Recordings

Although the RCA recordings featuring the Paul Desmond Quartet with Jim Hall were eventually reissued by the original label (also in a boxed set) after the last copy of this limited edition Mosaic box was sold, it is the Mosaic collection which will be remembered as a classic. Only that set includes the initial studio collaboration of Desmond & Hall for Warner Bros.; also present are reprints of Doug Ramsey's warm memorial tribute to the alto saxophonist, as well as Marian McPartland's brilliant portrait (written for Downbeat in 1960) and Desmond's own side-splitting article written for Punch about a Brubeck gig that went slightly haywire, all helping to unfold a portion of the mystery behind this man. The lyrical alto saxophonist found a kindred spirit and musical equal in the guitarist, and discovered that Hall was the perfect substitute for a pianist, a role left purposely unfilled on nearly all of Desmond's record dates as a leader. With Connie Kay on drums and a rotating cast of first call bassists, including Percy Heath, George Duvivier, Gene Cherico, and Gene Wright, Paul Desmond's cool toned alto sax explores a number of timeless standards, lesser known tunes, a few of the leader's originals (though none became remotely as well known as his hit "Take Five"), along with Hall's "All Across the City" and Wright's "Rude Old Man." There are no disappointing tracks within this collection, and the only minor flaw was the accidental omission of one track previously issued (and subsequently reissued) by RCA. If you haven't already acquired this now rare set, prepare to pay a fortune, but it is a very sound investment, which will likely provoke squabbles among any of any heirs who are jazz collectors. ~ Ken Dryden|