Gift Of Jazz: A Centennial Tribute To Paul Desmond at Dazzle Jazz Club

Paul Desmond approached alto saxophone with gentleness, ease, and elegant lyricism. For seventeen years he was the lead soloist in one of the most successful jazz combos ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. In an era that was deep into the frenetic, bebop style of Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond carved out a new space, for tone that he claimed imitated a "dry martini." "I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness."—“To me his lyricism has never been equalled, as far as logic and lyricism combined, because there's always a strand going back some place in his melodies, and in his choruses that shows a great intellect combined with a great emotionalism, and usually you don't find the two things in one person.” —Dave Brubeck—Join us in celebrating this legend, who’s music still has a stronghold for so many...

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Paul Desmond approached alto saxophone with gentleness, ease, and elegant lyricism. For seventeen years he was the lead soloist in one of the most successful jazz combos ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. In an era that was deep into the frenetic, bebop style of Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond carved out a new space, for tone that he claimed imitated a "dry martini." "I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness."—“To me his lyricism has never been equalled, as far as logic and lyricism combined, because there's always a strand going back some place in his melodies, and in his choruses that shows a great intellect combined with a great emotionalism, and usually you don't find the two things in one person.” —Dave Brubeck—Join us in celebrating this legend, who’s music still has a stronghold for so many. This fantastic evening of music and storytelling will form a context with which you can listen to Desmond’s music on an even deeper level. The artists presenting the program are Rich Chiaraluce - Alto Saxophone, Steve Kovalcheck - Guitar, Gonzalo Teppa - Bass, Jim White - Drums.—From cool jazz to bebop, to hard-bop and beyond, Denver saxophonist Rich Chiaraluce is a masterful improvisor and bandleader who brings incredible energy, bounce and musicianship into the room. He has performed with the Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Bobby Shew, Red Rodney, Carl Fontana, as well a singers Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, and Natalie Cole. Mr. Chiaraluce has taught at the University of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado.Join Rich for this special show as he leads a band of Denver’s finest in exploring the works of Paul Desmond.

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