March
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Saxophone History Podcast Episodes 7-9 Paul Desmond
I’ve just released the third and final episode on Paul Desmond for the Saxophone history podcast and I think the three episodes are quite an interesting story. Just like with the other saxophonists I’ve looked at, Desmond had a much more colourful life than the few bits and anecdotes that we all know of. I hope you’ll give these episodes a listen and then I hope you’ll listen to some of his music. The Saxophone History Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like and subscribe and please get in touch if you have comments or anything like that.
Doug Ramsay’s book, Take Five, The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, was the primary source for these episodes. It’s a great read with loads of interesting stuff. There’s a ton more in the book than what I had time to include in the podcasts so I hope you’ll consider reading it if these episodes piqued your interest. You can find it pretty much anywhere but it’s also available on Brubeck’s website.
In the first episode, I go through Paul’s early life and his mother’s mental health struggles which led to him living with his cousins on the East Coast for a while. I also look at Paul’s somewhat hilarious struggles to fit in in the military and the beginnings of his career as a musician. Also, we begin to see the complexity of his relationship with Dave Brubeck.
https://rss.com/podcasts/saxophonehistorypodcast/1239284
In the second episode I’ll tell the story of Desmond methodically attempting to weasel his way back into Brubeck’s good graces and the surfing accident that finally allowed him back in the group. Also some funny anecdotes about Desmond getting swindled by a con woman and life on the road as a young musician.
https://rss.com/podcasts/saxophonehistorypodcast/1291392
The third and final episode of the series looks at the fame and success that Take Five brought for Desmond. This episode also covers the dissolution of the Brubeck Quartet and Desmond’s efforts outside of the Brubeck orbit. I’ll also look at his extensive social life in Manhattan and his later years.
https://rss.com/podcasts/saxophonehistorypodcast/1412259
Thanks very much for listening. I hope you enjoyed the podcast and please get in touch if you have any saxophonists you’d particularly like to hear covered on the Saxophone History Podcast.
andrew d meyer 
What do you think?