The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out..

The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out.

Released in 1959, Time Out has become a firm favourite with Jazz aficionados and musicians alike, Dave Brubeck had assembled a team of the finest Jazz musicians for the recording this included Paul ‘The Stork’ Desmond on alto saxophone, a fellow Jazz musician whom first met Brubeck whilst he was trying out for the 253rd army band in 1944. The double bass duties were taken up by Eugene ‘The Senator’ Wright, A swing bass player who had adopted a very cool mannered Jazz technique known as ‘Kansas City Style’. Drums on Take Five were created by Joe Morello, a classic jazz drummer who spent almost 13 years with Brubeck.

The album itself is one of the easiest albums to listen to, Brubeck’s piano is evident throughout and makes for very relaxed listening, It is apparent why Take Five has become a staple Jazz album, with the opening track ‘Blue Rondo A La Turk’ The sound is scattered between Sax, light ride cymbal and incessant piano runs which trade off against sax climaxing into some classically influenced breaks of the coolest jazz music every produced. Following ‘Blue Rondo A La Turk’ was never going to be easy but Brubeck manages with ease, the next track is ‘Strange Meadow Lark’ A piece by Brubeck which drifts in and out of various keys but constantly retains its Jazz integrity, The mellow Sax fades in at around two minutes and transports the listener to a calmer place. Next follows is the title track ‘Take Five’ which is guaranteed to put the listener back on his or her own reality and remembering possibly one of the worlds greatest piano pieces.

As Take Five fades, ‘Three to Get Ready’ comes in with a smooth sax line which plays a superb game of call and response with both the piano and double bass, The whole piece swings like no other on the album, The relentless saxophone takes a short break around two minutes in to let Brubeck play off against the brushed drums.