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
You'd Be Nice To Come Home To
Paul Desmond Lyrics
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You'd be so nice by the fire
While the breeze on high, sang a lullaby
You'd be all my heart could desire
Under stars chilled by the winter
Under an August moon shining above
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
Under stars chilled by the winter
Under an August moon burning above
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
To come home to and love
These lyrics evoke feelings of warmth, safety, and contentment that come from the simple pleasures of life, such as coming home to someone you love. The singer is expressing his desire to have someone waiting for him at home who he can rely on and who brings him a sense of peace. The imagery of the fire and the breeze singing a lullaby suggest a cozy night in, comfortable and content with each other’s company. The repetition of the phrase “You’d be so nice” highlights the singer’s longing for this person, making it clear that coming home to them would be the ultimate comfort.
The second stanza brings in a sense of natural beauty, describing the stars and moon. Whether it’s winter or summer, the person he’s singing to would be paradise to come home to, suggesting that they are the ultimate source of comfort and happiness for the singer. The repetition of the phrase “you’d be so nice” reinforces the singer’s sense of longing and desire for their company. The song provides a simple yet powerful message that the simple pleasures of life, like coming home to someone you love, can bring immense joy and contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
You'd be so nice to come home to
Returning home to you would be an absolute delight
You'd be so nice by the fire
Your presence would make even the blazing flames of a hearth seem comforting
While the breeze on high, sang a lullaby
Amidst the soothing sounds of the wind, our hearts could rest soundly
You'd be all my heart could desire
Being with you would be the ultimate fulfillment of my deepest longings
Under stars chilled by the winter
Even on the coldest of nights, sharing the starry sky with you would warm my soul
Under an August moon shining above
The radiance of a summer moon would only be enhanced by the radiance of your presence
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
You and your companionship would be akin to experiencing heaven on earth
To come home to and love
I long to return home to you and bask in the love we share
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Clifton Jamison
Nice job Adrián.This is from one of my favorite jazz albums.
R M
Gosh!!! That band is swinging like no mans biz...love it
Cecil Williams
This entire album is astounding again and again.
magnificent reg
ah, the first. this song is the lead on my compilation for my morning, daily bike ride. imagine if you will. on the island of kauai hi. right against the coast (all flat) 7 miles out and 7 back. all starting with this and hell of a support, ewf zanzibar, down to the bone, nobody left to run with, almond bros....
Tom Reddock
Besides Paul and Chet, who are the other musicians?
からすカラス
ジム・ホール🎸🎶🎶😃👌
Enzo M
jim hall