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!
Thank you for this, it took me back in time. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteIt still gives me goose bumps to this day. A truly revolutionary piece of music.
DeleteTremendous. I had the privilege to see the Dave Brubeck Quartett at the North Sea Jazz Festival in July 1982 in Den Haag.
ReplyDeleteUnforgettable.
Lucky you. I've not seen them live, just listened to records.
DeleteMy 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
ReplyDeleteYou could have been raised on a lot worse. I remember at school playing this in our study, almost constantly. We were in awe!
DeleteIt’s those well known and recognised first few bars that set the scene
ReplyDeleteYou can't mistake it for anything else.
DeleteIt's now in my head already and I haven't played the video yet.
ReplyDeleteI've just noticed that it lasts for seven minutes!
DeleteThanks for sharing that Monsieur Magnon. Nice interlude on a Wednesday morning.
ReplyDeleteGood to have some mid-week quality jazz with your breakfast.
DeleteOne of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI’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).
ReplyDeleteLucky you. Quite a memory, even if you didn't fully appreciate it at the time.
DeleteDB jazz, timeless and classic.
ReplyDeleteHe stands out amongst the crowd.
DeleteOh yes, so well known! Interesting to hear its story.
ReplyDeleteSo much talent between the four involved.
DeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those classic numbers that once heard, is never forgotten.
DeleteThank you for sharing that video. That piece of music is in my top five.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that many many people would say the same.
DeleteNow you're talking my kind of music!
ReplyDeleteLoved the Brubeck Quartet. Very cool.