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 mood" which I haven't seen elsewhere, and I don't think Brubeck wrote it either - It is however, just amazing and so full of swinging energy that I love it. 'In your own sweet way' is a similarly great solo piano piece in which Brubeck shows his finesse on the ivories. I have tried to play this myself and I can assure you, Mr Brubeck's has very big hands. Camptown races and Bossa Nova USA are other notable quality tracks. The way that Brubeck and Paul Desmond (alto sax) play together is great, you can hear that they're well suited, as it all flows so effortlessly.
You don't have to be a hardcore Jazz fan to like this music. It's very tuneful, and will have you tapping your toe if you're in any way into rhythm. It may also open you up to one of the most underrated jazz piano player-songwriters of the last 50 years.
For me, there are times when only jazz will do. This is ideal for sophisticated dinner parties or just a quiet evening in, or for those of you budding jazz enthusiasts out there, crank it up and enjoy the ride.
Overall a great introduction to jazz piano and alto saxophone and to the Dave Brubeck Quartet's work. I hope it gives you as much pleasure as it has given me.
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How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Satisfactory
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