Paul Desmond

Take Five is such a famous song that any music fan would be able to whistle it, even though its time signature is strange as can be. The soft and lyrical alto saxophone sound of Paul Desmond put the melody in focus rather than the odness of it, and the many albums he recorded with pianist Dave Brubeck strongly benefit from his unique approach. He also collaborated with Jim Hall, Chet Baker, and even Art Garfunkel, and brought his distinctive sound to the party every time.