Timeless sounds from the master of time signatures.
Everyone agrees that Dave Brubeck’s 1959 Time Out is an All Time Top Ten jazz release. Many aspire, few attain. Like movies such as Casablanca or Citizen Kane, it has stood the test of time. But what if you heard there were extra outtakes of these films? Wouldn’t you love to see them?
Well, with Time Out, your wishes have come true. The classic team of Brubeck with the sublime alto of Paul Desmond, the artsy drumming of Joe Morello and rock steady pulse of bassist Eugene Wright is head on a handful of previously unreleased takes from the original sessions. The results are as good as you could hope for. Desmond’s famed “Take Five” has a bit more of a Latin than Middle Eastern feel, and Morello’s intro is suavely relaxed. “Blue Rondo a La Turk” is stretched out just a tad, and Brubeck’s work on “Three To Get Ready” is actually a notch higher than the accepted take. There’s some great intricate interplay on “Strange Meadowlark” here that is missing on the final render as well. For bonus points, you get a fun swinging trio of “Watusi Jam” a joyful read of “I’m In A Dancing Mood” and some “banter” between everyone for a few minutes to make you feel like you’re actually there. What took this so long?!?
Not only was Brubeck a master of the small group ensemble, but he released a number of solo albums late in his career. This one was a series of songs intended for his grandchildren, and it serves as a rich collection of nocturnes for all music fans. He is warm and Guaraldi-esque on “Brahms Lullaby” while calm and reflective on “Over The Rainbow”. His reflective view of “Danny Boy” is as verdant as the hills of Ireland, with “Koto Song” a gorgeous sonata. Traditional tones from a war veteran are felt on the nostalgic “All Through The Night” with each song making you realize that most of these were in Brubeck’s dna, having grown up with them. Timeless.