1975 - The Duets - Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond

Advantages: Great introduction to Jazz
Disadvantages: None

...I think I first heard this CD when I borrowed it from my local library. The only tune I'd heard was Take 5 (actually a Paul Desmond composition) Listening to the CD was something of a revelation for me. It was as though I had finally discovered the kind of jazz music I'd been looking for for ages. Not overly technical in a "look how good I am with my 10 minute self congratulatory solo" kind of way, which I tire of very quickly. Brubeck & Co are very tuneful and very understated in their approach, yet remain very technically good. I like clever jazz and clever melodies, and that's what this is. This cd has a nice little collection of songs from various albums, including a few from their album 'Time Out' which uses untypical time signatures like 3/4 and 5/8 (take 5) and 7/8 etc. It also has the wonderful track called "I'm in a dancing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: SImply Brilliant music
Disadvantages: Slightly too short

...of music with distinct layers, another pure piece of jazz relaxation! Overall this is a real must for any fan of music. I highly recommend it to anyone who has never listened to jazz before as it is a very good place to start. There are no seriously complicated melodies, no jarring notes; all very understandable music. I bought this from HMV for £6.99, and it was worth every penny. The Dave Brubeck Quartet Dave Brubeck- Piano Paul Desmond- Alto Sax Eugine Wright- Bass Joe Morello- Drums... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: One of the greatest Jazz tracks of all time
Disadvantages: None

...This has to be one of the greatest jazz tracks off all time and I can't believe there are zero reviews on it! Where are all the jazz musios on here? This track got to number 3 in the charts in about 1962 and this is the highest ever position in the commercial charts for a jazz track. The track is an instrumental with solos featured by Saxaphone, drums and piano. The piece itself is called Take 5 as it is written in the time signature of 5/4. If you don't read music that will mean nothing if you do it will mean counting in 5 rather than 4. I play drums and find it easiest counting the rhythm (6 letters no vowels!) in 2 and then 3. If you have never heard the track buy it - I guarantee you will thern buy the rest of Brubecks stuff like on the Album, Take The A Train, Blue Rondo Al A turk etc - in fact there is nothing you can not like... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful