|
Dave Brubeck represents a generation of hard-working adults who followed World War II with
ambition and success. At a time when retraining and advanced schooling helped millions to launch
new careers, the pianist was adjusting to a new form of jazz. As the Modern Jazz Quartet formed its
own distinctive air, Brubeck was coupling classical sounds with his interpretation of the bebop
surprise. The late fifties and early sixties proved most fruitful for his vision. From that period come
timeless recordings that remain etched in the memory of every devout jazz collector.
Much of The Essential Dave Brubeck comes from that vital period. They’re the songs we
can never forget: 7/8, 5/4, waltzes, blues, ballads, and bossa novas. The results are both
intellectual and swinging.
When Brubeck steps out on a local college campus, in a packed concer auditorium, or to some
distant land, he carries more than a mere night’s entertainment with him. As an ambassador of
modern jazz, he’s a prizewinner.
And the adventure continues. His July 10, 2002 recording of “Love For Sale” closes out this two-
volume compilation. Bobby Militello, Michael Moore and Randy Jones swing the standard with
technical prowess. All the elements are there: creative improvisation from the fluid saxophonist, a
lyrical bass solo that captures your ear, subdued brushwork to belie the song’s history, and a fiery
piano improv unlike any other.
There’s a lot more. A personal favorite, “Recuerdo” with Gerry Mulligan, moves deftly in 6/8
along an exotic trail that one would wish had never ended.
More than half of The Essential Dave Brubeck features the leader’s stellar quartets, most
with Paul Desmond, Eugene Wright and Joe Morello. Each one is a classic.
~ Jim Santella
|
Track Listing: Indiana; Perdido; Take the ‘A’ Train; Le Souk; Audrey; The Duke; In Your Own Sweet Way; Weep No
More; Some Day My Prince Will Come; Tangerine; Brandenburg Gate; Three to Get Ready; Blue
Rondo a la Turk; There’ll Be Some Changes Made; Take Five; Maria; It’s a Raggy Waltz; Unsquare
Dance; Kathy’s Waltz; Travelin’ Blues; Summer Song; That Old Black Magic; Bossa Nova U.S.A.;
Autumn in Washington Square; Theme from “Mr. Broadway”; La Paloma Azul; Recuerdo; Caravan;
Stardust; Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?; Love For Sale.
Personnel: Dave Brubeck- piano; Paul Desmond- alto saxophone; Eugene Wright, Ron Crotty, Bob Bates, Joe
Benjamin, Norman Bates, Michael Moore, Jack Six- bass; Joe Morello, Cal Tjader, Lloyd Davis, Joe
Dodge, Butch Miles, Randy Jones, Alan Dawson- drums; Gerry Mulligan- baritone saxophone on
“Recuerdo;” Jerry Bergonzi- tenor saxophone on “Caravan;” Chris Brubeck- electric bass on
“Caravan;” Bill Smith- clarinet on “Stardust;” Bobby Militello- alto saxophone on “Love For Sale;”
Jimmy Rushing- vocal on “There’ll Be Some Changes Made;” Louis Armstrong- vocal on “Summer
Song;” Carmen McRae- vocal on “Travelin’ Blues;” Tony Bennett- vocal on “That Old Black Magic;”
others.
|
