Like Someone in Love

Anyone interested in learning to play jazz on any instrument needs only to master a few of Desmond's phrases in order to gain great insight into tasteful, effective improvisation.

If you're a fan of cool jazz look no further, this is it!


Desmond in his final setting   August 19, 2002
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Paul Desmond's final solo live shows were played with an excellent collection of Canadian musicians, including an excellent guitar played named Ed Bickert. Only a few records have been professionally released by this quartet, which is a shame because they had a distint down-tempo and cool sound and sported some of Desmonds most emotional and assured sax playing. This album is great for fans of the more laid back Desmond, and contains so treats like a version of the Desmond staple "Tangerine." Recently, however, another album was released on CD by Desmonds Canadian quartet titled "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live," and although it's more of the same it outshines this release. It's a little bit more intense, a lot more emotional, and a whole lot more intimate than this release. The song choices for that concert were also stellar. "Like Someone in Love" is strongly recommended only for those who already have and enjoy "The Paul Desmond Quartet Live."


Some of Desmond's best solos   January 9, 2001
Douglas T Martin (Alpharetta, GA USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

When I bought this recording I was only familar with Desmond through the song "Take Five". This CD, recorded live at a club called Bourbon Street in Toronto, shows Desmond and company playing standards in a variety of styles - none of them in 5/4. "Tangerine" is a bright little number that has one of the best Desmond solos ever. The band gets Brazilian on Jobim's "Meditation" and melancholy on Django Reinhardt's "Nuages". The blues get turned inside out on Ellington's "Things Ain't What They Used To Be" with bluesy solos from Desmond and guitarist Ed Bickert. Don Thompson (bass) and Jerry Fuller (drums) provide ample support although the dynamics of the recording make them sound slightly muted.

The recording quality is a little weak; other than the sax the band's sound is slightly muffled. And it can be intrusive to hear silverware clanging against china during the bass solos - not to mention the talking. But this is a great recording and any audible distractions will be overridden by the quality of the performances. A good introduction to Paul Desmond's skills as a soloist and interpreter of standards.


Rare live vintage Desmond   August 18, 2000
William Gowers (Louisville, KY United States)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I noticed that this CD has yet to be reviewed. That is a shame because this is probably Desmond's best live recording as a leader. Any live recording of Desmond's is to be savored. But, this one is truly outstanding. This was recorded near the end of his career (about 2 years before his death). He is accompanied by a hand-picked trio of superb Canadian musicians. I highly recommend this recording to any fan of intimate live club jazz.