PAUL DESMOND — Glad To Be Unhappy (review)

PAUL DESMOND — Glad To Be Unhappy album cover Album · 1965 · Cool Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
dreadpirateroberts
To the sweetness of Paul Desmond’s alto again. So far this is the only solo release from Desmond that I own, but I do enjoy his playing in other settings (Brubeck etc) and so I’ll definitely be getting more. In the meantime I should get to the music already.

A low-key cool, this record is an almost lethargic set, there’s a lot of space between phrasing from both Desmond and Hall, and each use it effectively. There’s not a single crowded moment, but conversely, across the whole of the songs I was hoping for a little bit more variety. Nevertheless, the music is pretty much perfect for the umbrella-weather the model on the cover suggests – so long as you’re indoors yourself.

Almost a duet album, Jim Hall is just as prominent as the leader, doubtless why he gets the ‘featuring’ tag, and he’s most welcome. His usual clean tone is present, occasionally playing a little bouncy on the tracks with more blues, in a ‘A Taste of Honey,’ we finally hear him pluck the strings a little harder for his solo, but mostly he’s lyrical and gives off the vibe that, this is all pretty effortless, as much cool jazz can. That’s not to take away from what’s involved in cool jazz, he just makes it sound easy. As does Desmond, who is his usual emotive self. On the title track, easily the standout, Desmond is especially mournful. Throughout he takes great care with the melody, such as in my favourite piece on the album, ‘A Taste of Honey.’ ‘Angle Eyes’ is another fine moment and ‘Stranger in Town’ is also worth mentioning, but basically, this is pleasant listening all round.

Kay, Wright and Cherico (appearing once) don’t take any chances in the rhythm section but ‘Glad to Be Unhappy’ is a showcase for the leaders, so long as you’re happy with that and already like Paul Desmond or Jim Hall, this album is probably worth getting a hold of.
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