The Dave Brubeck Quartet ‎– A Place In Time

The Dave Brubeck Quartet – A Place In Time

A beautiful example of early Dave Brubeck Quartet cool jazz, The Dave Brubeck Quartet – A Place In Time brings together Dave Brubeck's distinctive piano style with the lyrical alto saxophone of Paul Desmond. Originally recorded in New York in late 1954 and first issued in 1955 as Brubeck Time, the album captures the quartet during one of the most important early stages of Brubeck's career.

The quartet featured Dave Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Bob Bates on bass and Joe Dodge on drums. This was the early Columbia-era lineup, recorded at the renowned 30th Street Studio in New York following Brubeck's signing to Columbia Records by producer George Avakian. The sessions showcase the sophisticated, understated interplay that became a defining characteristic of the Brubeck-Desmond partnership.

The album opens with “Audrey,” a particularly elegant Brubeck composition inspired by actress Audrey Hepburn. Paul Desmond's famously smooth and lyrical tone provides the perfect contrast to Brubeck's more percussive piano approach, making the track one of the most memorable performances from these early sessions.

Alongside the original material are inventive interpretations of classic American standards including “Jeepers Creepers,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “Why Do I Love You,” “Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now,” “A Fine Romance” and “Brother, Can You Spare A Dime.” The quartet approaches each song with a relaxed but highly refined style, retaining the character of the original melodies while giving them a distinctly modern jazz treatment.

“Stompin' For Mili”, written for photographer and filmmaker Gjon Mili, adds another energetic dimension to the set, while the album's closing “Brother, Can You Spare A Dime” demonstrates the group's ability to turn familiar popular material into sophisticated small-group jazz. Brubeck himself described the arrangements as deliberately focused on the quartet's collective interaction rather than individual virtuosity.

For collectors, A Place In Time is particularly interesting because the album exists under several titles. The original Columbia release appeared as Brubeck Time, while A Place In Time was used for later reissues, including the Columbia/Odyssey series. This makes the record an interesting addition to collections of Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, cool jazz, West Coast jazz and vintage jazz vinyl.

For fans of Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond and classic cool jazz, A Place In Time offers an excellent snapshot of the quartet before the arrival of Joe Morello and Eugene Wright, preserving the understated, melodic sound of Brubeck's original Columbia-era group.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Audrey
2. Jeepers Creepers
3. Pennies From Heaven
4. Why Do I Love You

Side B

1. Stompin' For Mili
2. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
3. A Fine Romance
4. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime