The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out (1959)
The Lowdown on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out
Type of Jazz: Time Out is a pioneering album in cool jazz, celebrated for its innovative use of unusual time signatures. Recorded in 1959, it’s a bold departure from the standard jazz rhythms of the era.
Accessibility: This album is both accessible and intriguing. Its catchy rhythms and melodies are easy to enjoy, even for those new to jazz, while its rhythmic complexity offers something fresh for seasoned jazz enthusiasts.
Why Listen:
Rhythmic Innovation: Brubeck’s exploration of unconventional time signatures, like the 5/4 in “Take Five” and the 9/8 in “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” was groundbreaking.
Commercial and Artistic Success: Not only did it achieve commercial success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, but it also marked a significant artistic achievement in jazz.
Iconic Tracks: “Take Five” and “Blue Rondo à la Turk” have become jazz standards, recognized and loved around the world.
Cultural Impact: The album’s popularity helped bring jazz to a wider audience, cementing its place in the history of music.
Cohesive Quartet: The synergy and interplay between Brubeck and his band members, especially saxophonist Paul Desmond, create a unique and unforgettable sound.
Standout Tracks: While “Take Five” and “Blue Rondo à la Turk” are the most famous, the entire album is a testament to the quartet’s creativity and musical prowess.
More about Dave Brubeck’s Time Out
Dave Brubeck‘s Time Out is not just an album; it’s a rhythmic revolution.
While the iconic refrains of “Take Five” and the infectious groove of “Blue Rondo à la Turk” might first come to mind, the album’s depth extends far beyond these standout tracks.
1959 saw Time Out defying conventional musical wisdom in jazz and the broader spectrum of music.
It was audacious, earning a remarkable #2 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and breaking records as the first jazz oeuvre to hit a million sales.
But the magic of Time Out wasn’t solely in its commercial triumphs.
Its genius lay in Brubeck’s audacious embrace of uncharted rhythmic territories.
It wasn’t just jazz; it was an exploration of time itself.
A voyage to Turkey provided a serendipitous spark.
Entranced by a folk song pulsating in a mesmerizing 9/8, Brubeck didn’t just listen; he was inspired.
The result? “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” an exhilarating synthesis of American jazz and Turkish rhythm.
Yet, amidst the album’s sea of innovation, the crown jewel remains “Take Five.”
Crafted by the brilliant Paul Desmond, its 5/4 time signature gracefully challenges and delights, showcasing a synergy between the quartet that’s simply electric.
More than a track, it’s an anthem that transcended the confines of its genre.
Given its monumental impact and enduring appeal, it’s no wonder Time Out clinches a top spot on our list of the greatest jazz albums.
It’s not merely an album; it’s an epoch, a rhythmic tour de force that continues to inspire, challenge, and enthrall.
In jazz, Time Out isn’t just music; it’s legend.
Comments