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:

Sue said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

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

Lou said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

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

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

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

Cathy said...

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

Tasker Dunham said...

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

Yorkshire Pudding said...

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

Sue said...

One of my favourites.

Graham Edwards said...

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.

Marty said...

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).

Cro Magnon said...

You can't mistake it for anything else.

Cro Magnon said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

Me too.

Cro Magnon said...

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.

Cro Magnon said...

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

Susan said...

DB jazz, timeless and classic.

Cro Magnon said...

He stands out amongst the crowd.

local alien said...

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

Sarah Head said...

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.

KarenW said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

So much talent between the four involved.

Cro Magnon said...

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

Cro Magnon said...

I suspect that many many people would say the same.

AK Coldweather said...

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

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