It is not all too often that excellent biographies of jazz musicians are written. “Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond”, published by Parkside Publications in February of 2005, is one of them.
Doug Ramsey, a knowledgeable jazz critic was a friend of Desmond’s for over 20 years up until Desmond’s passing in 1977. Of course the book is not only based on conversations with Desmond, but also countless other people from Desmond’s life, from grade school all the way up to Desmond’s somewhat lonely final years. Ramsey also found Desmond’s former wife, someone who had been a mystery to even most who knew Desmond.
It is a well-balanced biography which also uncovers Desmond’s darker sides and his many insecurities. The writing is top notch, and so is the production of this lavish hardcover. The book is a true labor of love and comes printed on heavy-stock paper and beautifully bound with hundreds of photos, reproductions of memorabilia and transcriptions of his most famous solos. A well-researched discography rounds off this wonderful book – a jazz fan’s dream.
Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond
by Doug Ramsey
Foreword by Dave Brubeck and Iola Brubeck
Edited and designed by Malcolm S. Harris
ISBN No 0-9617266-7-9
Postpaid: $45 in USA / $70 outside USA
Published February 2005
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