Time Out [Remastered] - Dave Brubeck Quartet (The)

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	SImply Brilliant music
Disadvantages:	Slightly too short

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Some people say that jazz is either a thing you love or hate, personally I fall into the first category. I am a huge fan, and this particular album was the first I ever bought, so I thought it should get a special mention on Ciao! When I was sixteen I was playing the saxophone in a local band and working in a restaurant. One night while I was working 'take five' began playing and I just fell in love with Dave Brubeck. This was five years ago but I am still in awe of the sheer brilliance of the music upon this CD. I would highly recommend this as a great starter CD for anyone who likes jazz. It is an extremely easy listen, with a number of tracks that you might recognise.

Dave Brubeck was a pioneer of jazz, mainly in terms of his methods of changing time. His famous 9/8 time signatures can be seen in a number of tracks featured on this CD. Born in 1920 Brubeck is one of the world's foremost jazz pianists. This recording comes from an early part of his career when he was the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and was released originally in 1959 to much critical acclaim (indeed it was his first platinum selling album). Following this he went on to work mainly for a jazz American radio station, but continued to write many well known pieces. In 2006 he was awarded the BBC's jazz lifetime achievement award.

THE TRACKS- what you can expect to find on this album

1) BLUE RONDO A LA TURK- A great introductory track, featuring many archetypal Brubeck sounds, mainly the 9/8 time signature. This is a classic jazz piece, with all four soloists in the band contributing. It is fast paced and loud, exactly what you would expect from a jazz piece. It begins loud and fast, then the middle section is quiet and downbeat, followed by a final frantic section with Brubeck at the helm. Though rather long at 6 minutes 44 seconds I would class this is an almost perfect piece of jazz music. By far and away the best track on the album!!!

2) STRANGE MEADOW LARK- A great comparison piece to the third, a great highlight of Brubeck's playing abilities. This is a much slower piece, less classical jazz you could say, but non the less hugely enjoyable. This is a more relaxed piece, no frantic chords appear here. This is a re-mastered CD and on this track you can really tell the difference. The sound is crystal clear.

3) TAKE FIVE: The quintessential Brubeck sound, featured on many a TV advert. This is an instantly recognisable track, and what propelled Brubeck into fame. The piece begins with a Paul Desmond solo, with Morello playing a jazz beat on the drums. Gradually the rest of the quartet enters, bringing in such a great sound. Written in a 5/4 signature this track seems to swing, the beat is so strong. Not the best showcase for Brubeck's individual talent, but none-the -less is exactly what any fan of jazz is expecting to hear on a CD like this.

4)THREE TO GET READY: This is an extremely simple melody, made brilliant by the quality of the playing. Rather than overcomplicate the sound they keep each individual simple. Couple this with a classic 3/4 time signature the piece flows classically. This is another piece that is easy to listen to, no clashing notes or strange saxophone solos to contend with here!

5) KATHY'S WALTZ: A firm favourite with Brubeck fans, and it is easy to understand why. Dedicated to Brubeck's daughter this is again simple jazz. Morello carries the song with a slow 3/4 beat that drives the piece forward. This is rather more of a showcase for Brubeck's talent, with the piano being the focus of the piece through out. What this piece does is show complete progression in music styles; all of which are presented in this CD.

6) EVERYBODY'S JUMPIN': Is a melody almost without a key at the beginning. This is a further easy listening track. A particular highlight is the saxophone solo of Paul Desmond, reminding me why I liked the saxophone so much in the first place!

7) PICK UP STICKS: The final track on this short album. The piece is written in an unusual 6/4 time signature, highlighting the group's continual experimentation with time. Rather than stick with what was common they wanted to change and be experimental, and this feeling really comes through with this piece. This is a piece 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