Paul Desmond Jazz Play-Along Vol. 75 BK/CD (Jazz Play-Along) Paperback – January 1, 2008

I play tenor sax and I have been determined to learn Take Five which has 4 Flats for the tenor.I'm used to playing in 1, 2, or 3 Sharps and the the fast pace of Take Five with many notes in 4 Flats was quite a work-out.I haven't played the other tunes - - but I think that the cost of the CD and book is worth it for Take Five only.This play-along of Take Five gave me some "wood sheding" and this tune alone made me just a bit better.Dann

I really like this book & CD. It was just what I was looking for as a guide to Paul Desmond's style. Probably for more advanced players than beginning sax students. I've played for over 40 years and enjoy the music sheets with chord lists.

This play-along music allowed me to capture the sound, rhythm, and style of the greatest alto saxophone player in history, Paul Desmond. The CD features John Desalme on sax. He does an awesome job of playing the style of Desmond. Many of the songs are too difficult for me but I'll continue to practice. Thanks to Hal-Leonard corporation for publishing this product.

Both the written music and the Tracks are of high quality. I will recommend this to others. I look forward to buying other similar similar play along products

Buen material

It's too bad the prospective buyer has no opportunity to see what Desmond solos are found in this collection. Desmond was "sui generis," truly one of a kind, and each of his solos promises to contain fresh discoveries about his lyrical, quick and often witty, spontaneous creativity. Some of his most brilliant work is found on recordings made before the Quartet's contract with Columbia (e.g. "Jazz at Oberlin" and "Jazz at the College of the Pacific," both on the Fantasy label). It would be especially useful to any student of jazz improvisation to have transcriptions of some of these early solos, if only to identify Paul's musical "quotations."

But . . .I don't recall Paul Desmond writing:All the things you areRude old manEasy LivingJeruvianSamba de Orfeuwhen Joanna Loved mesuicide is painlessHe did write the only other three tracks. I buy these as I am a retired sax player who loved Paul and don't get to play with a band much any more - but buying a Paul Desmond album I expect to get Paul Desmond. Did the authors/editors miss the fact that apart from Take 5 and Take Ten he also wrong plenty of other great stuff that should have been included such as: Late Lament, Desmond blue, Wendy, Bossa Antigua, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Audrey, Eleven Four, the Girl from East Ninth Street, Wintersong, Two of a Mind . . . and more. You cannot say there is not plenty to choose from! They are all great tunes.The editors may argue that these are Paul Desmond solos but if so there is NO DISCOGRAPHY so these can be listened to. And why is it that there is never any song list on these so you can check before ordering - unless someone (like me) writes them in a review?This is mis-sold. If you want Paul Desmond - look elsewhere.

Excellent book for budding saxophone players for C, Eb and Bb instruments.

If you are lookign for good transcriptions fo PD's style, this is not the book. It's basically lead sheets fo tunes that he once played but they are pretty skinny. Don't pay this for basically chord symbols and repeat marks in the solo sections. Not recommended

Far too many bars left blank for improvisation bot what you buy sheet music forNothing stopping your own improvisation at any point in any piece with backing track but to leave blanks gives people who struggle with improv issues

Well produced backing tracks, and good number of choruses to play through. Even better that if you double on an instrument as I do, (sop sax and alto sax), all the notes are transposed for you.Sweet!!