| | Jim Hall East Of The Sun CD Jim Hall Discography of CDs
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The title of this set by alto saxophonist Paul Desmond refers to his having placed first once again in the alto chair in the Downbeat poll. Released in 1959, First Place Again is the result of an unexpected gathering of the rhythm section of the Modern Jazz Quartet: Percy Heath and Connie Kay, and Jimmy Giuffre 3 guitarist Jim Hall. The four musicians were all unexpectedly at home in New York and took full advantage of cheap, after-hours recording studio time to play out this set of standards and a pair of newer tunes, John Lewis' great blues, "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West," and "East of the Sun (and West Of The Moon)," from a Princeton University theater work. The rest, including a fine reading of "Greensleeves," which is short and tight here, Cole Porter's "I Get a Kick out of You," J. Fred Coots' "For All We Known," "You Got to My Head" -- another Coots' tune -- and Sammy Cahn's "Time After Time," are done with an airy, amiable vibe, especially the work between Hall and the rhythm section, which is full of counterpoint and sharp accents. Desmond, of course, being at that time the king of melodic improvisation on the alto -- with the possible exception of Art Pepper's ascendancy -- is in fine form. His whimsical, breathy, dry tone is sharp, on the spot, and full of ideas as he quotes from a vast number of tunes. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed set if ultimately unmemorable. ~ Thom Jurek
Quartet. First-rate quartet session. Jim Hall (g), Percy Heath (b), and Connie Kay (d) are super. ~ Ron Wynn
Personnel includes: Paul Desmond (alto saxophone); Percy Heath (bass); Connie Kay (drums).
Personnel: Paul Desmond (saxophone); Jim Hall (guitar); Percy Heath (upright bass); Connie Kay (drums).
Jim Hall East Of The Sun Songs East Of The Sun Music Review Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)  Absolutely superb!
Being a newcomer to the recordings of Desmond,I bought this after reading Paul Caulfield's comments on the Desmond discography website.With such a large catalogue to choose from,selecting which of Desmond's albums to buy can be a bit bewildering. This one,however,is absolutely superb,and quite possibly the best of all of Paul Desmond's work (although admittedly,I still have a lot to check out!) Along with the Brubeck Quartet's "Time Out",essential listening for any fan of PD's beautiful sax playing. As close to perfection as it gets.
Submitted by Pete (Okayama,Japan.)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. First Place Again... and still!
The title refers to Paul Desmond's perennial ranking among alto saxophonists in the Playboy Jazz Poll.. no small accomplishment when you consider his main challenger was Cannonball Adderley. This album was one of the first solo departures from the Dave Brubeck quartet, and still ranks with me as one of the best. I literally wore out the vinyl album in 1960 playing it over and over not quite able to get enough of that ethereal alto sound on "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West." This pre-dates the "smooth jazz" era by 20 years, yet provided an alternative to bop for small combo jazz fans. This is "cool" jazz at it's best.
Submitted by John (Buckeye, Arizona)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. Great Service
Excellent memory and hard to find music
Submitted by gmoore40 (Phillips Ranch, CA) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Exquisite
A really superb album of exquisite sax playing by one of the all-time greats.
Desmond's solo on Greensleeves alone makes this worth owning,but every track is a gem.
Wether you're a Desmond fan in particular,or just like good jazz,this should definitely be in your collection.
Submitted by Pete (Okayama,Japan.)
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