I must have heard this album every day for the first four years of my life (I was born in '62). My dad was a big jazz fan, and between this and "Day in The Life" by Wes Montgomery, I was given a thorough introduction to jazz through his enthusiasm. Every track on this album shines. I love 'Pickup Sticks', 'Blue Rondo', and 'Kathy's Waltz'. Of course, 'Take Five' is definitive of the entire genre. Paul Desmond's tone ("like a dry martini", he says) is so smooth and sweet. He is also, in my humble opinion, one of the most creative and melodic of improvisers, up there with Wes and Pat (both of whom you'll hear about a lot in the near future). I could listen to him play all day long. To me, this album, along with "Kind Of Blue" simply define the transition between the milquetoast fifties and the turbulent sixties. This was also one of the first mixed-race bands in jazz. (although, I guess Red Rodney was earlier with Charlie Parker...)NPR BJL Entry
Other Dave Brubeck Entries in the "Basic Jazz Library":
Boasting the first jazz instrumental to sell a million copies, the Paul Desmond-penned 'Take Five,' Time Out captures the celebrated jazz quartet at the height of both its popularity and its powers. Recorded in 1959, the album combines superb performances by pianist Brubeck, alto saxophonist Desmond, drummer Joe Morrello and bassist Gene Wright. Along with 'Take Five,' the album features another one of the group's signature compositions, 'Blue Rondo a la Turk.' Though influenced by the West Coast-cool school, Brubeck's greatest interest and contribution to jazz was the use of irregular meters in composition, which he did with great flair. Much of the band's appeal is due to Desmond, whose airy tone and fluid attack often carried the band's already strong performances to another level. Together, he and Brubeck proved one of the most potent pairings of the era.
--Fred Goodman
Second only to Jazz Samba by Stan Getz, as the most commercially successful jazz record of all time (it even contained a single for the pop charts, Paul Desmond's magnificent 'Take Five'), Brubeck brilliantly popularized jazz and offered it as a palatable alternative to Bobby Vee. This album sold by the trunkload and made Brubeck a popular star. Those jazz critics who shunned him for becoming too commercial must eat their words, as this is a monumental album of the finest modern jazz. 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' and 'Kathy's Waltz' demonstrate this man's graceful, nonchalant class.
Session:
Producer: Teo Macero.Reissue producer: Russell Gloyd.
Recorded at Columbia 30th Street Studios, New York, New York on June 25, July 1 & August 18, 1959. Includes liner notes by Dave Brubeck and Steve Race.
Digitally remastered by Mark Wilder (Sony Music Studios, New York, New York).
Personnel:
| Dave Brubeck | Piano |
|---|---|
| Paul Desmond | Alto Saxophone |
| Eugene Wright | Bass |
| Joe Morello | Drums |
Tracks:
- Blue Rondo A La Turk
- Strange Meadow Lark
- Take Five
- Three To Get Ready
- Kathy's Waltz
- Everybody's Jumpin'
- Pick Up Sticks
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