Paul Desmond: Take Ten

Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond had a deal. Whenever Desmond recorded as leader, to avoid competing with Brubeck's Quartet, there'd be no piano. So Paul recorded with Gerry Mulligan-type pianoless quartetstwice with Mulligan, more often with Jim Hall. Desmond, who habitually leaned against Brubeck's piano after soloing, joked that Hall "complains when I lean on his guitar." Otherwise, this match of the self-effacing was ideal. Following Brubeck's smash hit "Take Five," Desmond could not avoid a sequel. His 5/4 bossa nova "Take Ten" has a laid-back charm and too-short Middle Eastern modal solo from Paul that easily recommend it.