Time Out – The Dave Brubeck Quartet - 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

This is a jazz album that contains classics that even the most resistant to this type of music know. Listen to Blue Rondo a la Turk, Take Five and Three to Get Ready and you will recognize these melodies directly in your subconscious. Personally, this is one of the jazz albums that directly joins my top 5 of this style of music.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet is considered one of the most influential jazz groups of all time. Founded in 1951 by pianist Dave Brubeck and saxophonist Paul Desmond, the quartet played a major role in the evolution of modern jazz by popularizing a style based on complex rhythms and an inventive musical approach.

Dave Brubeck was a self-taught musician who began playing the piano at the age of 5. He studied classical music, but was influenced by jazz and popular music.

After serving in the army during World War II, Brubeck began playing with his own band, which included Paul Desmond on alto saxophone. The duo quickly gained a reputation for musical quality, and they were joined by bassist Gene Wright and drummer Joe Morello (note, no relation to Tom Morello) in 1956.

The musical style of the Dave Brubeck Quartet is characterized by complex rhythms, often inspired by ethnic music, and an inventive musical approach.

Brubeck enjoys exploring new musical territories, and he has not hesitated to include influences from classical and folk music in his compositions. The quartet was also known for its inventive use of asymmetrical tempos, which helped them stand out from the standard jazz music of the time.

After the release of “Time Out”, The Dave Brubeck Quartet continued to record and perform together until 1967, when Paul Desmond left the group. Brubeck continued to play and record music until his death in 2012 at the age of 92. The quartet was a musical phenomenon, and it left an indelible mark on jazz history.

The album

“Time Out” is the iconic album by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, released in 1959. It is a modern jazz album that revolutionized the way jazz was viewed and played. It was also the first jazz album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it a true classic of the genre.

The album features original compositions by pianist Dave Brubeck and saxophonist Paul Desmond, as well as covers of jazz standards. What distinguishes “Time Out” from other jazz albums of the time is its inventive use of asymmetrical tempos and complex rhythms, often inspired by ethnic music. The musicians of the Dave Brubeck Quartet were all virtuosos on their instruments, and their inventive musical interpretation really showed their talent.

Take Five

Take Five is a famous jazz piece written by saxophonist Paul Desmond for the Dave Brubeck Quartet. It has become one of the most popular jazz standards of all time and is often associated with the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Take Five‘s light, catchy melody is played at an unusual 5/4 tempo, making it a very distinct piece of music. Paul Desmond's saxophone solos have also become famous for their fluidity and musicality

Take Five is a perfect example of the innovative musical approach of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The piece is built around a 5/4 rhythm that gives it a singular and recognizable beat.

This piece has also been used in several movies and television shows, including “The Odd Couple” and “The Simpsons”.

Three to Get Ready

French speakers will quickly recognize, from the first notes of this piece, the melody of a Claude Nougaro song Le Jazz et la Java.

Three to Get Ready is a complex and syncopated piece that shows the influence of classical music on Brubeck's music. The piece uses irregular beats and unexpected accents, a popular choice among jazz musicians.