Wednesday 13 October 2021

Dave Brubeck - Take Five


It's difficult to imagine, these days, the influence that 'Take Five' had over the Jazz world, and music in general.

It comes from 1959, and was written by Paul Desmond. The tune was later made famous by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and I can well remember being mesmerised by the unusual beat (a five-beat rhythm) employed by Desmond. 

The supremely talented Paul Desmond is seen here on Alto Sax, accompanied by Brubeck, who can be seen showing his obvious admiration for him.

Four guys in crisp dark suits. A Piano, a Sax, basic Drums, and a Double Bass. Brilliant.

A classic Jazz standard that doesn't age!

27 comments:

  1. Thank you for this, it took me back in time. I loved it.

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    1. It still gives me goose bumps to this day. A truly revolutionary piece of music.

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  2. Tremendous. I had the privilege to see the Dave Brubeck Quartett at the North Sea Jazz Festival in July 1982 in Den Haag.
    Unforgettable.

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    1. Lucky you. I've not seen them live, just listened to records.

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  3. My Dad played alto sax and clarinet and this was played in our house all the time and my dads rendition of it. We were brought up on this music ! XXXX

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    1. You could have been raised on a lot worse. I remember at school playing this in our study, almost constantly. We were in awe!

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  4. It’s those well known and recognised first few bars that set the scene

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  5. It's now in my head already and I haven't played the video yet.

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    1. I've just noticed that it lasts for seven minutes!

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  6. Thanks for sharing that Monsieur Magnon. Nice interlude on a Wednesday morning.

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    1. Good to have some mid-week quality jazz with your breakfast.

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  7. I've now got the DBQ playing. Wonderful memories. I recall the MJQ visiting when I was at Uni. I just could not cope with their music at the time and have never listened to them since. One day I should return to their music and see what I think now.

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    1. I hadn't heard this track for years, then heard it recently on the radio. I was amazed how well it stood the passage of time.

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  8. I’ve often wished I’d realized what I was experiencing when on a date in high school in the 60s I saw DB5 perform in a small club in Georgetown (Washington DC).

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    1. Lucky you. Quite a memory, even if you didn't fully appreciate it at the time.

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  9. DB jazz, timeless and classic.

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  10. Oh yes, so well known! Interesting to hear its story.

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  11. We love "Take 5", a truly iconic piece of music. I first came across it when my daughter was given it to play in a Grade 4 piano book and we have both taught it to various pupils over the years. It was also included in the ABRSM Grade 5 Violin pieces for the past four years so our house has also resounded to enthusiastic duets between my daughter and her violin pupils. They all, without exception, love it.

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    1. It's one of those classic numbers that once heard, is never forgotten.

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  12. Thank you for sharing that video. That piece of music is in my top five.

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    1. I suspect that many many people would say the same.

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  13. Now you're talking my kind of music!
    Loved the Brubeck Quartet. Very cool.

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