Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini' With a darkly lilting approach, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond rose to fame soloing in the crook of Dave Brubeck's piano, playing a critical part in one of the most heralded groups in jazz history.

Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini'

Paul Desmond: 'The Sound of a Dry Martini'

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Paul Desmond with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Paul Desmond with the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images