Paul Desmond Quotes

United States, Saxophonist
November 25, 1924 – May, 30, 1977.

Paul Desmond was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing that group's biggest hit, "Take Five". He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the cool jazz scene.

Also known as Composer

I have won several prizes as the world’s slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness.

Paul Desmond
- Player
- Prize
- Quietness
It was never supposed to be a hit. It was supposed to be a Joe Morello drum solo.

Paul Desmond
- Hit
- Solo
- Drum

Our basic audience begins with creaking elderly types of twenty-three and above.

Paul Desmond
- Audience
- Types
- Elderly
I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.

Paul Desmond
Writing is like jazz. It can be learned, but it can't be taught.

Paul Desmond
- Learned
- Jazz
- Taught
I would like to thank my father who discouraged me from playing the violin at an early age.

Paul Desmond
- Age
- Father
- VIolin
I think I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to sound like a dry martini.

Paul Desmond
- Mind
- Want
- Sound
The qualities in music which I considered most important - and still do - were beauty, simplicity, originality, discrimination, and sincerity.

Paul Desmond

Milton, of all people, gave the most perfect definition of the state of mind required to play jazz: ' with wanton heed and giddy cunning.' That's how you play jazz.

Paul Desmond
- Play
- Jazz
- Definition
We're working as if it were going out of style-which of course it is.

Paul Desmond
- Style
- Working