Paul Desmond quotes

Paul Desmond was an American jazz alto saxophonist, best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. His lyrical style and cool, melodic improvisations helped define the sound of West Coast jazz. He is especially remembered for composing the classic jazz standard "Take Five." Here are 14 of his quotes:

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

I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.

Paul Desmond

Sometimes I get the feeling that there are orgies going on all over New York City, and somebody says, `Let's call Desmond,' and somebody else says,'Why bother? He's probably home reading the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Paul Desmond

I think I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to sound like a dry martini.

Paul Desmond

I tried practicing for a few weeks and ended up playing too fast.

Paul Desmond

Not for me. If I want to tune everybody out, I just take off my glasses and enjoy the haze.

Paul Desmond

I would also like to thank my father who discouraged me from playing the violin at an early age.

Paul Desmond

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

Paul Desmond

I could only write at the beach, and I kept getting sand in my typewriter.

Paul Desmond

It's like living in a house where everything's painted red.

Paul Desmond

I hate the way he writes. I kind of love the way he lives, though. (Paul Desmond)

Well, that I'm not playing better.

Paul Desmond

We used to get on planes, and they'd ask who we were, and we'd say, 'The Dave Brubeck Quartet', and they'd say, 'Who?' In later years they'd say, 'Oh', which amounts to the same thing.

Paul Desmond

You're beginning to sound like a cross between David Frost and David Susskind, and that is a cross I cannot bear.

Paul Desmond

Paul Desmond

Occupation: American Musician
Born: November 25, 1924
Died: May 30, 1977
Quotes count: 14
Wikipedia: Paul Desmond

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