Paul Desmond - Skylark ( 1974 )

1.Take Ten
2.Romance de Amor
3.Was A Sunny Day
4.Music For A While
5.Skylark
6.Indian Summer
7.Music For A While (alt. take)
8.Skylark (alt. take)
9.Indian Summer (alt. take).

Gene Bertoncini - Guitar
Ron Carter - Bass
Jack DeJohnette - Drums
Paul Desmond - Sax (Alto)
Bob James - Piano, Piano (Electric)
Hilary James - Piano, Piano (Electric)
Ralph - MacDonald Percussion
George Ricci - Cello
Don Sebesky Arranger, Conductor
Gabor Szabo - Guitar, Soloist.

SKYLARK represents something of a change of pace for Paul Desmond. Usually a paragon of high lyricism and cool, often ballad-based post-bop, SKYLARK finds the alto saxophonist ... Full Descriptionamong especially progressive company. Drummer Jack DeJohnnette (whose playing bears hallmarks of rock, soul, and fusion), bassist Ron Carter (best known for practically redefining the instrument in Miles Davis's second great quintet), electric pianist Bob James, and guitarists Gene Bertoncini and Gabor Szabo round out the personnel. This lineup gives the album a decidedly contemporary, forward-leaning feel that contrasts somewhat with Desmond's "classic" style.
However, the combination works very well. Desmond's playing is still subtle and nuanced, while the rest of the sextet provides exciting new frames for appreciating his sound. Of particular note here is the lead guitar playing of Szabo, whose sinuous solos offer some of the album's finest moments. The eclectic set list--which ranges from an adaptation of Purcell to the Carmichael/Mercer title track to a Paul Simon cover tune--adds to the enjoyment, as do Don Sebesky's arrangements (his work can also be heard on Jim Hall's excellent CONCIERTO, which Desmond also appears on). Overall, this is a welcome, intriguing, and energetic departure for Desmond.
CTI Master Series remastered reissue of 1974 album for the cool jazz alto sax player famous for his association with the Dave Brubeck Quartet features 9 tracks including 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks, 'Skylark' (alt. take) & 'Indian Summer' (alt. take). Originally released in 1974. 2003.Down Beat (12/97, p.94) - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "The beautiful tone of Desmond's alto is featured on SKYLARK....Desmond plays with a pure, simple warmth..."