Perfection: Paul Desmond, Any Other Time (1964)

Alto saxophonist Paul Desmond recorded six albums for RCA backed by guitarist Jim Hall between 1962 and 1965. One of the finest was Glad to Be Unhappy, recorded between July 1964 and early September. And on that album, the most exquisite track was Desmond's own composition “Any Other Time," recorded on August 20, 1964, with Eugene Wright on bass and Connie Kay on drums. 

On this minimalist Thursday, the only track I want to play for you is the resplendent Any Other Time, so you can hear for yourself the very definition of jazz perfection. In addition to the beautiful melody and Desmond's hypnotizing tone, listen to what Jim plays and when, not to mention the contributions of Wright and Kay.

Here's “Any Other Time" (scroll down)...