Desmond was bor… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Desmond (1924-1977) was a U.S jazz saxophonist.
Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld in San Francisco, California on 25th November 1924. He came to prominence with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which lasted from 1951 until 1967. Desmond wrote their biggest hit, "Take Five".
Desmond's alto saxophone tone and technique owed nothing to the great alto player of the time, Charlie Parker; instead his was a clear, light, floating sound and highly melodic playing style. Much of the success of the classic Brubeck quartet was due to the superposition of his fragile, airy sound over Brubeck's sometimes relatively heavy, polytonal piano work.
Desmond died on 30th May 1977.
Paul Desmond is widely recognized for his genius as a melodic improviser and as the benchmark of cool jazz sax players. His warm, elegant tone was one that he admittedly tried to make sound like a dry martini. He and Art Pepper were virtually the only alto players of their generation not directly influenced by Charlie Parker. Desmond was influenced by Lester Young, but took it further, into melodic and harmonic worlds never before traveled by reedmen -- especially in the upper registers. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his infamous composition "Take Five." He met Brubeck in the late '40s and played with his Octet. The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. Jazz at Oberlin and Take Five were considered essential purchases by college students of the era, but Jazz Impressions of Japan was its most innovative recording. Desmond played his loping, slow, ordered, and intricate solos in direct contrast to the pianist's obsession with large chords, creating a myriad of textures for melodic and rhythmic counterpoint unlike any heard in jazz. His witty quotations from musicals, classical pieces, and folk songs were also a watermark of his artistry. When the Quartet split in 1967, Desmond began an intermittent yet satisfying recording career. It included dates with Gerry Mulligan for Verve, various sessions with Jim Hall, and a concert with the the Modern Jazz Quartet. He played his last gigs with the Brubeck Quartet at reunions before dying of lung cancer. Desmond's recordings for RCA have gotten box-set treatment and Mosaic issued one of the complete sessions with Hall. There are also reissues from A&M and CTI, though recordings on Artist House and Finesse remain regrettably out of print. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
When Joanna Loved Me
Paul Desmond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But yesterday, oh, what I'd give for yesterday
To relive one yesterday and its happiness
When Joanna loved me
Every town was Paris
Every day was Sunday
Every month was May
When Joanna loved me
Every sound was music
Music made of laughter
Laughter that was bright and gay
But when Joanna left me
May became December
But, even in December, I remember
Her touch, her smile, and for a little while
She loves me
And once again it's Paris
Paris on a Sunday
And the month is May
Paul Desmond's song "When Joanna Loved Me" is a melancholic tale of a man yearning to relive the days of his past when he was in love with a woman named Joanna. The songs' opening lines communicate a sense of disillusionment with the present as it seems mundane and predictable. He longs for the past and would give anything to relive a single yesterday and the happiness that came with it.
The following lines paint a vivid picture of how things used to be when Joanna was in his life. The line "Every town was Paris" suggests that every place he visited with Joanna felt romantic and exciting. Similarly, "Every day was Sunday" implies that he was happy and carefree when they were together. "Every month was May" creates a dreamy sense of springtime happiness that was constant when Joanna was around.
The song takes on a darker tone when the singer remembers the fact that Joanna is no longer in his life. He speaks about how everything has changed and how "May became December." However, the memory of Joanna's touch and smile keeps him going, and for a little while, he feels as if he is back in the time when she loved him.
Paul Desmond was known for his signature husky, breathy tone on the alto sax. The song was released in 1963 and became a hit among many jazz enthusiasts. The song has been covered by several notable artists such as Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé.
Line by Line Meaning
Today is just another day, tomorrow is a guess
Today is a typical day, not special or memorable. The future is unknown and uncertain.
But yesterday, oh, what I'd give for yesterday
Yesterday was an exceptional day, full of happiness and memories. The singer wishes they could relive it.
To relive one yesterday and its happiness
The singer longs to experience once more the happiness they felt during a past day, to relive it fully.
When Joanna loved me
During the period when Joanna was in love with the artist
Every town was Paris
The artist felt like every place they went was as romantic and beautiful as the city of Paris.
Every day was Sunday
Life felt like a relaxing, enjoyable weekend day every day, without stress or worries.
Every month was May
The singer felt like they were living in a month full of springtime and beauty all year long.
Every sound was music
The artist found beauty in every sound around them, like everything was a part of a musical symphony.
Music made of laughter
The joy and mirth from others around the artist sounded like a beautiful, joyous melody.
Laughter that was bright and gay
Everyone's merriment and light-heartedness added to the artist's own happiness, like rays of sunshine.
But when Joanna left me
After Joanna stopped loving the singer
May became December
The world around the artist became dark, cold, and dreary.
But, even in December, I remember
Despite the bleakness and sadness of their current situation, the singer remembers the happiness of the past.
Her touch, her smile, and for a little while
Memories of Joanna's physical presence and positivity help the singer feel better for a brief moment.
She loves me
At some point, Joanna loved the singer
And once again it's Paris
The artist feels as if they're back in the romantic city of Paris, full of splendor and beauty.
Paris on a Sunday
Life feels laid-back, indulgent, and tranquil as if it's always the weekend.
And the month is May
The beauty and joy of springtime have returned, no matter what time of year it actually is.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT WELLS, JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kjellsiimon7097
Who ever invented jazz should be given the Nobel prize. Can't be much better than this tune.
@sjpatrik2
ever listened to chet baker? Another good jazz musician
@lisasimpson6162
Buddy Bolden is probably the closest name we have as a single 'Originator' of jazz as done in the New Orleans traditional style
@bigjake4253
Why is this music only appreciated by few? This brings beauty to the ears, and to life
@fawltytenor
Jim and Paul together is pure magic.
@tensorific
Soothes the soul on a fundamental level.
@andrewkendle3251
Very fortunate to hear Paul and the Brubeck Quartet at The University of Tampa in 1961. What a concert. Packed and as lively as a rock concert of later years. This is absolutely beautiful.
@sjpatrik2
how old are you?
@chrishollandsworth6700
Thats very impressive- I'm jealous
@jamesmcdunn2628
Paul Desmond is a huge inspiration for me and probably many others.