Paul Desmond

Desmond's first two sets as a leader after gaining fame with Dave Brubeck are a portal into 1950s West Coast jazz. The opening numbers feature Desmond in an easygoing set modeled after Gerry Mulligan's piano-less quartet, and a couple sport an Eisenhower-era vocal choir. The final half is more propulsive and swinging, but it all shows off Desmond's elegant sax work.