Almanac Music: ‘Take Five’ – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Dave Brubeck (1920–2012), designated a ‘Living Legend’ by the American Library of Congress, was one of the most active and popular musicians in both the jazz and classical worlds.
In a career spanning over sixty years, his experiments in odd time signatures, improvised counterpoint, polyrhythm and polytonality remain hallmarks of innovation, acknowledge why he was considered one of the foremost exponents of cool jazz.
‘Take Five’ recorded by The Dave Brubeck Quartet is often incorrectly attributed to Brubeck, but it was composed by Brubeck’s long-time musical partner, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond.
Appearing on one of the top-selling jazz albums of all time, Time Out, and written in 54 time, ‘Take Five’ has endured as a jazz classic.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet performing ‘Take Five’ live in Belgium, 1964
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
Col- great piece and song. Such an iconic sound and surely one of the most celebrated and recognised jazz numbers. When I started exploring Brubeck I was also investigating Miles Davis and generally preferred the latter. But I must revisit Brubeck’s back catalogue. Thanks Col.
Hi Col. Cool jazz, indeed! I can just imagine sitting out on a balcony, overlooking the sea, on a warm summer evening, and drinking an ice cold beer while listening to this.
Hi Col, Joe Morello’s drum solo in the version on ’59 album Time Out is just wonderful. Variations on a theme. I never get tired of listening to it. Thanks for highlighting a seminal piece of music. Cheers RTB
Oh, so cool, Col! Understated, no egos here, each player superb in himself and, together, a classic combo to be the sum of the parts and more! Wonderful to revisit! Seemingly gentler times.
Love the sound and have listened to it a few times. Not seen it before now. A good’n Col. For me, your best one so far from my recall.
Cheers