Paul Desmond
Alto Sax Solo on
Strange Meadow Lark

About

Paul Desmond's alto sax solo opens the improvised portion of this recording, followed by Dave Brubeck on piano. Spanning one chorus of the 50-bar form at a moderate 129 BPM with a swing feel in E♭, the solo runs approximately 1:37. Paul Desmond's one-chorus alto saxophone solo at 129 BPM in E-flat navigates the lengthy form with his trademark lyrical grace, spinning long melodic lines that seem to float above the rhythm section. "Strange Meadow Lark" from Dave Brubeck's 1959 Time Out album features an unusual 50-bar form that reflects the pianist's fondness for extended structures. Paul Desmond was 34 to 35 years old at the time of this 1959 recording.

Paul Desmond was 34 to 35 years old at the time.