Top 10 Paul Desmond Albums Ranked

Take Ten stands as Paul Desmond’s ultimate solo masterpiece. Reconnecting with guitarist Jim Hall, this album acts as a spiritual sequel to Brubeck’s Take Five, featuring breezy bossa rhythms and sublime melodic interplay. Desmond’s phrasing is effortless, making it an essential crown jewel for any jazz vinyl collection.

A gorgeous back-to-basics quartet session featuring Canadian guitar legend Ed Bickert. Stripping away heavy orchestra arrangements, Pure Desmond highlights pure lyrical improvisation and warm acoustic tones that feel incredibly intimate on vinyl.

Desmond was deeply inspired by Brazilian music, and Bossa Antigua captures that warm tropical breeze better than almost any other release. His delicate sax melodies float gracefully over Jim Hall’s pristine rhythm guitar work.

Desmond’s major label debut as a leader paired his airy alto sound with Bob Prince’s lush orchestral arrangements and a full string section. It is the definition of late-night mood music and a masterclass in tone.

Featuring the classic Desmond-Jim Hall lineup, Easy Living is a relaxed, understated session full of memorable standards. It showcases the incredible chemistry between sax and guitar that made their collaborations famous.

Focusing heavily on melancholic ballads, this record shows Desmond at his most introspective and emotional. The minimalist guitar-bass-drums backing allows every breath into his horn to resonate.

Arranged by Don Sebesky, Summertime marks Desmond’s transition to Creed Taylor’s A&M/CTI imprint. Featuring Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter, it blends cool jazz soloing with stylish late-60s production.

Desmond returned to Brazilian themes with orchestrations by Don Sebesky and songs by Milton Nascimento and Edu Lobo. It offers a vibrant, sun-drenched listening experience that feels like a trip to Rio.

An adventurous album dedicated entirely to songs by Simon & Garfunkel. Desmond turns contemporary pop tunes into silky jazz instrumentals with help from Herbie Hancock and Airto Moreira.

Featuring a stellar lineup including Gabor Szabo, Gene Bertoncini, and Ron Carter, Skylark is a slick, smooth CTI production with bluesy overtones and catchy modern arrangements.