Paul Desmond
Alto Sax Solo on
Take Five

About

Paul Desmond's alto sax solo opens the improvised portion of this recording, followed by Joe Morello on drums. Spanning four choruses of the 24-bar ABA form at a medium-up 169 BPM with a swing feel in E♭, the solo runs approximately 47 seconds. Desmond's four-chorus solo at 169 BPM over the 24-bar ABA form in E-flat minor is a masterpiece of melodic invention within an unusual meter, his trademark crystalline tone and witty phrasing making the unfamiliar time signature feel completely natural. Solos are over the 8-bar A section only. 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.