The Judge
RAVES!
Date: 24/01/10
Dave Brubeck Quartet - "Take Five"
I've always been one for quirky music, so when as a mere lad I first heard this piece, it grabbed me straight away.
The best known recording is by Brubeck's trio at the end of the 1950s. This quartet version - with Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (Sax) (the composer of the piece) and Joe Morello (drums) being augmented by Gene Wright (bass) - comes from a Belgian television programme in 1964.
It's a faster and punchier version than the original, but it's interesting to note that Wright is not only in the background throughout, but Brubeck actually motions him to get out of the way at the start of Morello's drum solo (yes, there's one of those in there, but it's OK). Some have cited racism, but I think it's just that Wright is the only one not wearing glasses.
It's also quite strange to see a drummer (of any genre) wearing jacket and tie, and Joe looks like he's really sweating it out by the end of his moment in the spotlight.
The piece has been covered by others, amongst whom is the veteran Jamaican sax-man Val Bennett, although he switched the time signature from 5/4 to a rock-steady 4/4 after just three bars, which somewhat defeated the point (you can hear a clip of it here).
Whatever, just enjoy this:
