Dave Brubeck – Take Five

Dave Brubeck – Take Five

A fantastic collection of some of Dave Brubeck's most recognisable recordings, Take Five brings together sophisticated cool jazz, inventive rhythms, swinging arrangements, and some of the most enduring compositions associated with Brubeck and his legendary quartet. Featuring the iconic Take Five, alongside Blue Rondo À La Turk, Unsquare Dance, and The Duke, this is an excellent introduction to one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century.

Dave Brubeck rose to prominence through the Dave Brubeck Quartet, whose innovative approach to rhythm and time signatures helped bring modern jazz to a huge mainstream audience. Much of the group's most celebrated work came through their partnership with saxophonist Paul Desmond, whose cool, lyrical alto saxophone style provided the perfect counterpoint to Brubeck's rhythmic experimentation.

The title track, Take Five, is perhaps the most famous piece in the Brubeck catalogue. Written by Paul Desmond and first recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959, the composition became a landmark jazz recording thanks to its unusual 5/4 time signature, sophisticated melody, and unforgettable saxophone solo. It subsequently became one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time and remains an essential piece of the jazz canon.

Alongside Take Five, the album features a strong selection of Brubeck favourites. Bossa Nova USA explores the Brazilian-inspired rhythms that became increasingly popular in American jazz during the early 1960s, while Unsquare Dance demonstrates Brubeck's fascination with unusual meters in a remarkably catchy and accessible format. Some Day My Prince Will Come and I'm In A Dancing Mood showcase the quartet's more melodic side, while The Duke pays tribute to another giant of jazz, Duke Ellington.

Side B continues with It's A Raggy Waltz, the sophisticated Blue Rondo À La Turk, and Kathy's Waltz, before moving through the swinging Trolley Song, My Favourite Things, and the rhythmically adventurous Castilian Drums.

For fans of Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, cool jazz, classic jazz, bebop and piano jazz, Take Five is a highly enjoyable addition to any vinyl collection. With its combination of accessible melodies and adventurous rhythmic ideas, it demonstrates exactly why Brubeck's music continues to attract new generations of jazz listeners.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Take Five — 5:25
2. Bossa Nova USA — 2:24
3. Unsquare Dance — 2:02
4. Some Day My Prince Will Come — 6:22
5. I'm In A Dancing Mood — 2:59
6. The Duke — 6:20

Side B

1. It's A Raggy Waltz — 5:15
2. Blue Rondo À La Turk — 6:45
3. Kathy's Waltz — 4:50
4. Trolley Song — 3:04
5. My Favourite Things — 2:53
6. Castilian Drums — 4:40