Remember that Brubeck cancelled an entire jazz tour of the US South when promoters insisted he replace Eugene Wright with a white man. A man both musically and morally at another level.
J.L.C.O. has a really good concert honoring Brubeck here on YT. Wynton Marsalis says, during the intro, that Brubeck stood up for civil rights when others didn't. You're right about him.
My mother was a Brubeck fan long before I was born. For her 80th birthday I got tickets to an intimate concert in a small hotel venue. Festival seating. She asked if I could find seats where she could see his hands on the keyboard. I stood in line for close to three hours in 100° heat and got second row center! My proudest moment as a mother's son.
He pretty much monopolized precision jazz dynamics in the 60s and 70s. The first bell-less ride cymbals were commissioned by Morello in the early 60s. He didn't want a single joule of momentum being lost to the bell that he couldn't account for in his hands. He was also the first guy to make it cool to whip your sticks around reverse for solos. I imagine he used them a lot more intelligently than I did.
I remember when I heard it the first time playing in the radio. I was 12 years old then and asked my father:" What's this?" He looked up from reading the newspaper and grinned:"It's good, isn't it?" I am 72 years now...
In the 1980s I lived in Edinburgh (capital city of Scotland) and one day in June 1984 I was walking down Castle Street going home from work. Coming up towards me were a lady and gentleman, by their clothes, Americans. As they came nearer I realised that the gentleman was Dave Brubeck no less. By sheer chance they looked at me, guessed I was local and asked if I knew where the US consulate was. I had the pleasure of escorting the Brubecks there, pointing out a few features of Edinburgh’s New Town. He gave me four tickets for his show at the Usher Hall later that week. I still have 2 and they’re signed.
If that had been me, I would probably be unable to speak at first and knowing who he was and how much I loved and good jazz who knows when I would have spoken again. This is pure class!
When Dave Brubeck took this band on tour, he was asked to keep his bass player in the back. Mr. Brubeck told his bass player at that venue that his mic was not working and get front and use his. Mr. Brubeck also canceled a tour costing him personal income because he would not comply with the racial restrictions on that tour. Man of good character he is 🤙🏽
I know that Benny Goodman had black musicians in the 30’s. Of course most of the great jazz players were black. You would think that the audiences wouldn’t care if they were fans of jazz. I am glad that kind of stuff is way behind us.
They may look like four accountants, but this is a musical powerhouse right here. Every note is in its place, every break is spot-on. Simply brilliant!
That’s called class. These guys were great artists, elite musicians. The respect they had for the music is reflected in their attire. You didn’t go on stage looking like a burned out pot head or homeless person when you had the great task of playing the only genre of music “native” to the United States. I’m a drummer and have played wearing a coat and tie more than any other attire.
I am a 70 year old guy who was raised on Rock and Roll. I don't think my young ears were mature enough to understand the sheer beauty of this composition. This makes me feel like I am born again to the joy of music.
When my son (who can not carry a tune) was little he heard this and said "Dad! They are playing two songs at once!" - I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.
@@LarsBlitzer 5/4 is not particularly difficult, it actually swings, just 4/4 with an extra beat to the measure. Listen to the mission Impossible theme. but Yes, Morello was a groove master, one of the smoothest, deceptively subtle drummers of all time, pun intended.
Just four distinguished looking gentlemen playing a piece of classical, artistical, musical jazz and not even breaking a sweat doing it. Dave Brubeck, playing the piano like a boss and watching everyone else play with admiration in his eyes. Paul Desmond owning the sax like he was born with it in his mouth. Eugene Wright making love to that bass like it was his wife of 50 years. Finally Joe Morello playing that drum solo like he could do it in his sleep forever. These men were legends of Jazz and they knew what they were doing! 🎻🎻🥁🥁🎷🎷🎹🎹🎼🎼🎵🎵🎶🎶
I'm pretty sure you have to like jazz to appreciate this. I love jazz and I love this, but let's not fool ourselves, if you're only into country or hip hop this ain't your digs.
Ann Wilson covering Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center honors, at age 64 would like a word with you. If you’ve not seen it, go there now and thank me later.
From a rebellious old teenager in the early 60s to 72 years old in 2024, still the same reaction, stunned silence, tears, overwhelmed by deep internal sadness.
When I was a kid, jazz used to literally make me queasy. I’ve grown to adore it. Does anyone else feel like it’s the music of what’s happening?! Like, jazz represents the offbeat rhythm of day to day life. It’s the soundtrack to rotating wheels on a car that passes you by. It’s about people living their lives.
When my father passed a few years ago, one of my siblings asked me what I wanted from his possessions. I didn't hesitate. "I want dad's Dave Brubeck albums." I got them, and even though I have CD copies of all of them, I still listen to the vinyl when I need a boost. And, oh yeah, dad was a drummer.
Could he drum it like that cat in this? That was Spectacular!!! If he even got Near his talent, he was something Else. Bet he could if he appreciated this; just a hunch. 👍🏼
Growing up in S. Korea in the early 60’s I had to listen to this EVERYDAY bcuz our daddy played this EVERYDAY. Some 60 years later, I listen to this everyday, almost. Perhaps, Daddy is listening too...
I saw Brubeck 5 times in person and idolized him and the quartet. The last time was in Salt Lake City when as an old man he needed help walking across the stage to the piano. Once he was seated he was the same old Dave Brubeck I knew and loved. There were 3000 adoring fans there for this last concert. He always drew crowds in Salt Lake City. I sure miss that quartet, but can always listen to the many albums I have. Great memories !
I love how their looks at one another seem so JUDGMENTAL AND SEVERE, but then when you look again you realize that they're trying to enjoy the incredible performance of their peers while simultaneously concentrating on their very demanding parts. It took 100% from everyone, and the result of their effort can amaze and delight listeners more than half a century later. What astonishing artists. What accomplishment. This is musical treasure.
It's incomprehensible today. These guys playing that fast, improvising with no net, the expensive film spooling through the camera. It comes out so tight and clean. Fantastic.
Not like it matters, this was TV broadcast, with analogue TV cameras and the recording was most likely stored on film but as whole cut piece that was broadcasted not filmed on film. Just if someone was courious.
It's immeasurably brilliant and wonderful, but it's not at all incomprehensible today. Not in jazz, nor in other forms - there are metal bands today, for instance, who are similarly dextrous with time signatures and grooves, and who are similarly exciting but in their own thrilling ways.
I love the little moves at the start of Joe Morello's amazing drum solo. Brubeck just turns to watch him. Wright pulls his bass and himself out of the picture so the entire camera focus is on Morello. That's respect.
I hitch hiked from Philadelphia to somewhere in North New Jersey to catch his act. I had just turned 18. I am now 77 and Brubeck and group still enthralls me.
It out-miled Miles and his more abstract arrangements that never captured the simplicity or listenability of Mr. Brubeck's flagship composition. As others have noted, it is a legacy live recording which is as much fun to watch as it is to listen to. American jazz, copied around the world, but born and raised in the USA.
@@johnmaer You're right.... and the quality of the recording is awesome... I love watching Dave's reaction to the drum solo....5:53 then he jambs on the piano! Pure Gold.
@@dave-yj9mc Indeed. I thought Ramsey Lewis was new wave jazz in the early 60's but Brubeck and his ensemble set the benchmark or gold standard. Amazing artistry.
Eugene Wright, the Senator, passed away December 30. He's the one on bass, and was the last surviving member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. History passed with him. Thanks for the music and for providing the steady bass beat.
The Senator? Hmmm, I wonder if he was the inspiration for Doctor Senator from Fargo season 4? Took place in 1950/51 and Loy's son was a beebop trump player.
I was so damn mad when I found out. The second to last day of the worst damned year i have ever lived through and 2020 did this wicked thing; took Eugene Wright.
I introduced my girlfriend to Jazz, unsure if she would enjoy it or not. Take Five was the first song I showed her and she was instantly hooked. Now she won’t sleep without jazz playing in the background haha, thank you Mr Brubeck for everything you have done for music
i think what i like the most about the song is that everyone gets their time to shine for the song. You get the sax solo, you get the piano section, you get the drum solo, and you have the big bass just tying the whole thing together perfectly.
@@snausagesmcqueef1604 I would need to write a short novel or make a movie to tell what things I liked the most. Do you remember Truffaut's Les 400 Coups? It's this way.
His music is...unfortunately he wasn’t. Lived a productive life, died at age 91. What a wonderful talent! Sons Chris and Darius following in their father’s foot steps.
I was in High School in 1967 . The quartet was scheduled to play a gig at the Univ. of Miami , near the pool by the student Union . For whatever reason , it had rained earlier , only about 4 of us showed up . I got to hear " Take 5 " live , sitting about 20 ft away from the band . Unforgettable .God bless them all .
@@waynejohanson1083 For no reason I can ascertain , God apparently likes me . I also saw Igor Stravinsky conduct the Firebird , also at UM . He was elderly and couldn't walk up the stairs to the stage , so when he entered , the entire Orchestra lifted their chairs and made a pathway like Moses opening the Red Sea . Those were the days :)
I’m a very fortunate person because I got the opportunity to interview Mr Brubeck on a two occasions. One of the finest people and best artists of the jazz scene, the positive collaboration musicians - black and white - and examples beautiful fusion in sound and joy for decades.
I'm not well into jazz but this one definately comes with that label cliché: if your foot isn't tapping while listening to this, you're probably dead. A brilliant performance!
My father loved jazz music and when played this piece I was mesmerised as a youngster. My father passed away in 2005 and for our reflection, to represent the jazz he loved so much, I had this played, so we could have a few moments to remember the life of Robert James Gray, and to take five...
The audience Dave Brubeck made this piece for realy hasn't discovered it yet, I am a 23 year old in Africa and I just found this song and I could feel my soul float in calm in the midst of hard times.
Joe Morello was a ‘drummer’s drummer’ par excellence. He traveled to places like Africa and Turkey in order to learn polyrhythms. His technique, timekeeping and flair may never be matched, IMO. He started on the violin, and was a prodigy, and then became an artist on the drums.
I found myself sitting behind Joe Morello at a concert several years ago. Though he couldn't really see me bowing in awe to him, I was thrilled. He chatted, so nice, to me and my wife. Music Hero!
@@duhusker4383 Easy, skip! The guy was just saying he's a fan of other drummers too. I don't think they're comparable in the least. Both are superior drummers in their respective generas. Them and many more give our world beautiful beats.
my chorus teacher in hs, who i despised at the time, made me learn and appreciate so many new genres of music that a young black woman like me in this generation would never have. thank you to him 4 years later
This was from an age when to be a professional musician you really really had to know your stuff. To be at the top of the tree you had to have an ingrained feel for music and an intimate knowledge of the instrument that you were playing. These guys were masters - all of them.
+SpeedbirdConcorde The only thing you'll get close to this on a technical level nowadays is metal. Those guys are insane, but metal is often filled with shitty vocals.
+TheSmithDorian THANK YOU for saying what has to be said...over and over. Back in this era, these kind of guys had no DISTRACTIONS. Like electronic gadgets. Or 200 useless, stupid channels on TV. They studied, lived and WORKED at their craft. They practiced day in, day out. There were no "tricks" or fakery onstage. You were either WORTHY to be on stage with your peers, or you soon "got taken to the woodshed". You were humiliated til you got it right. Acoustic Jazz has no mercy for inept players. Acoustic instruments either show your talent/ skills, or very quickly your LACK of talent. End of story.
One of the greatest nights of my life was taking my dad to see Dave. Wow, we were entranced....and Dave came across as the nicest person. I just love how he turns around to watch Joe do his stuff. French grip open handed, played the ride with his right-hand....a pioneer of modern drum playing. Xx
Me too. Always! Between this tune I first heard as a child and a bit later Poinsianna by Ahmad Jamal I then was gifted and hooked onto a different music. Dean Jackson Seattle
First heard it way back in the '60's(anyone remember the '60's),and just listened it now in July,2021.Everytime I hear it I just want to do a Snoopy dance.😁
I grew up in the 70s playing guitar in rock bands. But this kind of music was always amazing to me. I would sit for hours and try to play along with the album and learn new things and broaden my musical knowledge. Still love it till this day. Such an amazing group of musicians on that stage!!❤❤
Brubeck's reaction to the insane Morello drumsolo is what gets me. Brubeck quietly stares at Morello like a hungry seagull while Morello acts like a tapdancer on meth for 3 good minutes, then as the insane quantum physics level drumshow seamlessly glides into the original groove Brubeck just turns around and keeps playing his piano like a happy donkey trotting into the sunset.
It blows my mind how he plays this sort of loose polyrhythm about half way into the solo but at the same time his left leg is tapping right on the groove.
What a lot of us fail to realise is both the physical (suits, ties etc.) and emotional (let’s be “looking cool”) restraints that were part of the scene in those days, were arguably responsible for this technical and musical masterpiece. Watching this live clip really highlights the tension, the energy and the synergy between these musicians. They weren’t taking it easy playing some cool jazz. This was serious, intense and tight musicianship at it’s very best. Phenomenal piece of music played by consummate professionals that will stand the test of all time. I have no doubt this will be listened to in 500 years time, and beyond.
Yep, perfectly said. People nowdays look to those times as everything was perfect and beautiful. But what they don't realise is that a lot - and I mean A LOT - of work was put on the image and etiquette to have this kind of appearance. You can be sure that they appear "happy" and "cool" but they probably were as nervous as a person can get to perform live - even in studio - as they were doing here. This can be applied for the whole "TV and Radio" scene of the era - 20s to 60s -
@@virajs Don’t really know that much, but you could try Bill Evans Trio ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uco5FNbjqv0.html Or maybe John Coltrane with Stan Getz is very cool: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pc6CWfBgIt8.html Or for something a little later maybe Kieth Jarrett: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gJOPahb8TkE.html Jack is sensational drummer. Hope you enjoy
Believe it or not,I met the Bassist,Eugene Wright fifty-one years ago. I was in the ninth grade in junior high school and he performed with a quartet at our assembly. He even gave me his book which I still have today.
I am glad you met one of these superb musicians. I saw them in 1965 at Northern Illinois University for the first time when I was 18 years old. Some years later I graduated from NIU with a degree in jazz performance and theory which I find sureal to this day. I think Gene Wright is the last surviving member Of the group
I was 12 when this album came out; mom & dad listened to music like this; I thought they were crazy! They said to me “boy someday you will understand”…I’m 75 now & they were right!
The question is, how did the world exist before this? There are a few musical performances that fall into that puzzle, some Bach, some Beethoven, the Mendelssohn Octet, Borodin's first string quartet, Claude Bolling's sonatas for two pianists...
Timeless? What do you mean? It's clearly 5/4, and that time signature, especially in this song which was an advent of it, has solidly stuck around for decades.
All great performances have that element. The iron fist in the velvet glove , the easy made to look incredible, the difficult made to look easy. It's that tension you feel when you see another person in their zone or the flow walking that tightrope that suspends your disbelief. Ahh that is art my friend!
This song will always remind me of growing up back home in NJ. I loved in the northern part so we’d drive back and forth to NY city a lot. Reminds me of being a backseat passenger on the cold winter nights when my father would take us to NYC for Christmas shows, restaurants etc. those nights can never be duplicated.
Dear Tori, I listened Take Five for the firt time when I was eighteen. I suddenly realized that Jazz was my music. 53 years after, I listen to this music and I feel the same beautiful sensation. When I am down I put Take Five and I have that positive shock and I feel young again!. See Dave Bruveck and Paul Desmond and the players is magic! Thanks internet!
During an interview he stated that a university asked him to move Eugene Wright (bass) to the back of the band. Mr. Brubeck then told bass player, Mr. Wright his microphone was broken and get out in front of the band to use his microphone. Mr. Wright was not told about it and proceeded to get to the front and perform a solo. Facts.
No click track in the ear bud ! His hi hat is his click.man, we are so fortunate to have this recording and video. We have it made friends! What a world!
I hate to keep stealing this guy's comment but "these were the times they dressed like 'we're preparing to launch a drum solo from the control booth''"
I had the good fortune to see the original quartet in Lausanne, Switzerland during the Winter of 1960. I am still in the groove after all these years. RIP Dave, Joe, Paul, and Gene.
Kevin Nguyen Drums I started off by idolizing Travis Barker but years later I found myself listening and studying Rich, Krupa, Morello, Elvin Jones, Jo Jones, Butch Miles, etc. These cats definitely knew their craft
Who is casey cooper and Travis Barker? never heard of them , yea buddy Rich and Gene Krupa and joe were setting the standards so to speak for generations of drummers to come, Neil Peart is the only now a days drummer I know that can play anything and everything.
I got hooked on Take Five when my art teacher played it while we did our drawings. It was also the first time we had a nude model to draw. Oh to be young again.
@@charleslaine Fun Fact : Since music began there has been "populist" music that appeals to the lowest common denominator, which gave rise to music snobs and their ilk, off you go and listen to some Henry Purcell old boy wot wot?!
@@charleslaine The fact that you call "today's music" to be throwaway crap just shows how lazy you are. Go find some good modern music. It's out there. Don't expect it all to just be handed to you. That being said, "New Jazz Underground" has a lot of good stuff. That's your freebie.
@@Dr.Garlic. Also, leans towards the truth. You MUST admit, if you are absolutely non-biased, no emotion involved, the more modern sounds these days aren't as sophisticated, not as talented, not as skillful, not as brilliant!!! Don't get me wrong, we have brilliance today! But overall, is all. Overall we have dropped off a bit, music wise. Sound wise.
