Bridge Over Troubled Water [Import]

This album is a vibrant and sensual arrangement of Paul Simon's finest music of the Sixties. The lush arrangements of Don Sebesky allow Paul Desmond to carry these melodies with ease without distracting the listener. Desmond successfully evokes and conveys the romantic and often times haunting "cinematic" qualities of Paul Simon's lyrics. Desmond's rendition of each melody is so lyrical, you could swear the words were being sung. What is so magical is that Paul Desmond can seamlessly connect his solos to the melodies without losing the essence of each piece. (America is a vibrant example of this.) No doubt this is a signature trait of Paul Desmond's sound.The listener will not get lost in some esoteric free form solo and then suddenly brought back to some truncated melody. Desmond takes you through a gorgeous journey of melodic exploration before recapping gently bringing back the listener to the theme. Those who are familiar with Desmond's work in the quartet setting may not appreciate Don Sebesky's instrumental backdrop. Unlike some of the vapid "sleazy listening" renditions of Beatles tunes bleeding through the elevator speakers, Don Sebesky gives girth to each piece with well thought out textures that will not leave you limp. It would simple to dismiss this overlooked jem as an "easy listening" Album. Hardly so, Desmond's rich thematic explorations in Paul Simons music is a veiled complexity that will give any listener, student of jazz , professional musician or any composer many hours of listening pleasure. The players on this session read as a "who's who of jazz." : Herbie Hancock, Airto, Ron Carter, just to name a few.

I love Jazz. I've been an avid listener for over 12 years now and in that time I imagine I've listened to close to 1,000 jazz albums. And yet, I still find gems like this.

Desmond is one of my favorite saxophonists. I would argue he has a better tone than even Getz, and his lyricism is outstanding. Accessible and pleasing to new comers and jazz aficionados both.

This album is unique among jazz albums in that it is comprised of covers of a pop group. Simon and Garfunkel were great song writers, and Desmond makes them his own here. Most everything here is recognizable but with a wholly distinct sound.

I think the stand out track has to be Old Friends, which is probably the most low key track on the album. But oh my is it beautiful. One of the most beautiful tracks I've ever heard recorded. Just Desmond playing softly over an orchestral string section and harp arpeggios. It also benefits from a timeless sound, where some of the other stuff here sounds a little dated.

And that's the only thing holding this album back from five stars. Every track on here is good, but some do sound a little hokey and too easy to place in the early 70s.

El Condor Pasa is a great example. This tune is actually rocking, it really swings and its one of the better tracks on the album. But it has a distinct 70s funk sound in the rhythm and bass. A lot of tracks feature Corea on his Rhodes as well, contributing to that 70s sound. I happen to find it delicious, but again be aware this album doesn't have the most modern sound.

Definitely worth picking up for fans of jazz, Simon and Garfunkle, or Paul Desmond.

I always felt Old Friends would lend itself beautifully to a jazz interpretation, and here it is. Paul Desomond is such a unique stylist; so subtle, pleasant, beautiful yet masterful... an alternative to the great players who come at you 100 mph... this is a beautiful album...