Blue Rondo a La Turk
The Dave Brubeck QuartetThe Dave Brubeck Quartet - Blue Rondo a La Turk [Time Out, 1959]
Take Five
The Dave Brubeck QuartetObit of the Day: Jazz Legend Dave Brubeck
Famed jazz pianist Dave Brubeck died on December 5, 2012 - the day before his 92nd birthday. Brubeck, who is best known for his performance of “Take Five” (written by Paul Desmond) from Time Out (1959) which became the first million-selling jazz album, was at the forefront of modern jazz. (He would be featured on over 100 albums during his career.)
He formed his quartet in 1951 and became the first jazz artist to be featured on the cover of Time magazine. Prior to World War II Brubeck was headed for a career as a veterinarian at the University of the Pacific. However his professor told him “Brubeck, your mind’s not here. It’s across the lawn in the conservatory. Please go there. Stop wasting my time and yours.” He transferred to the music program, only to be threatened with expulsion because he couldn’t read music. (He was allowed to graduate as long as he promised to never teach piano.)
Brubeck, whose mother was a classically trained piano teacher, first made his mark during World War II when he served under General George S. Patton, mainly as a musician. He was part of “The Wolfpack” the only integrated band in the armed services. (Following the war he would challenge societal norms, often performing at black jazz clubs in the South.)
Later Brubeck would be honored at the Kennedy Center, play for Mikhail Gorbachev, and received both a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (he received four Grammy nominations in his career but never won; Time Out was never nominated) and a BBC Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award.
Note: In March 2011, the drummer on “Take Five”, Joe Morello, was featured on Obit of the Day.
Sources: Chicago Tribune, Spinner, Metrolyrics.com and Wikipedia
(“Take Five” and the album Time Out are copyright of Columbia/Legacy Records, 2009)
Listen
The Dave Brubeck Quartet — Take Five
A few weeks ago I listened to this song on a cultural ad on tv. I felt like I had already listened to it, but couldn’t think of the title or the author, which was reeeeeeally annoying.
Days passed by and I was on the mood for some nice Jazz to help me with my work, so I went to the Jazz section on Grooveshark and randomly pressed play. There it was, the first notes started to play and I was already smoothly moving my head… I had stopped doing what I was doing, I was just feeling the music.
I recommend you to do the same, stop whatever you’re doing and take a moment to enjoy this beautiful song.
— Viu.
Take Five (1961)
The Dave Brubeck QuartetBest Jazz out there. Actually thee best Jazz tune! The jazz riffs, the drum fills/solos and the piano solo is amazing.
Song of the day:
The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take five
Stardust
The Dave Brubeck QuartetStardust by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Take Five
The Dave Brubeck QuartetTitle Take Five
Artist The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Album Time Out (1959)
Genre Jazz
Kathy's Waltz
The Dave Brubeck QuartetThe Dave Brubeck Quartet | Kathy’s Waltz
Unsquare Dance
Dave BrubeckDave Brubeck - Unsquare Dance
Blue Rondo A La Turk
The Dave Brubeck QuartetBlue Rondo A La Turk by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five
Maybe it’s the sunny weather, but I felt kind of badass driving around in my cute little Fiat with the windows down listening to Dave Brubeck.
Or it could be the sheer amount of times I get stopped by people (i.e. men) to ask me about the car that it is starting to go to my head. I secretly think it’s about me. I know it’s because it’s a new model to see on the road still, but it’s nice.
Take Five
The Dave Brubek QuartetThe Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five
5:27 for May 27th
Undoubtedly one of the greatest pieces in jazz history.
While reading the wikipedia article, I was awed by this sentence:
“Upon his death in 1977, Desmond [the songwriter] left the rights to royalties for performances and compositions, including “Take Five”, to the American Red Cross, which has since received combined royalties of approximately $100,000 per year.”
That’s a lot of money. Every year. What an incredibly selfless and generous gesture.
