Paul Desmond: Desmond Blue

Too often in jazz, “with strings” is the critical equivalent of “with child:” bursting with potential, but rather ungainly in the moment. There are a few choice moments on this 1962 reissue, but too few and there’s not enough of Jim Hall’s guitar, and the sort of improvised counterpoint Hall and Desmond so often created.

Originally Published June 1, 1997