Music and Vinyl: Paul Desmond with Jim Hall

Take Five - a track on Dave Brubeck's 1959 album Time Out - proved to be a hit single, and possibly the biggest selling jazz single ever. Composed by Brubeck's alto player Paul Desmond, a follow up was always on the cards, and for Desmond's own album of 1963 with guitarist Jim Hall he came up with Take Ten. Featuring the same lopsided rhythm as Take Five but paired up in a 10-4 time signature, the track provided the album's title and opening.

Jim Hall provided an effective, classy and unassuming foil for Desmond's velvety smooth alto sound that nevertheless could be upbeat when needed.