COUNTER CULTURE

Paul Maskell, The Beat and Track

No. 21 Dave Brubeck: A Question of Timing

Dave Brubeck is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz pianists and composers of the 20th century. His innovative approach to jazz, characterised by complex time signatures and unconventional musical forms, paved the way for a new generation of jazz musicians. Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out is perhaps his most iconic and groundbreaking work – a record that defied convention and challenged the very essence of jazz music.

Dave Brubeck was born on 6th December 1920 in Concord, California. He grew up in a musical family and started playing piano at a young age. After studying music at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, Brubeck enrolled in Mills College in Oakland, where he studied composition under Darius Milhaud. It was during this time that Brubeck started experimenting with different time signatures, exploring the possibilities of unconventional rhythms and harmonies.

In 1947, Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet, consisting of Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Ron Crotty on bass and Cal Tjader on drums. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their innovative approach to jazz, characterised by Brubeck’s unorthodox style and Desmond’s smooth, lyrical playing.

In 1959, the Dave Brubeck Quartet released Time Out, a record that would change the course of jazz music forever. The album’s opening track, Blue Rondo a la Turk, featured a 9/8 time signature, a rhythm inspired by Turkish folk music. The track’s intricate interplay between Brubeck’s piano and Desmond’s saxophone set the tone for the rest of the album, which featured similarly complex and unconventional musical forms.

Time Out was a commercial and critical success, selling over a million copies and earning Brubeck widespread acclaim. The album’s fusion of jazz and classical music, combined with its off-kilter framework, helped to establish Brubeck as a leading figure in the jazz world. Time Out also inspired a new generation of jazz musicians, who were eager to experiment with new rhythms and sounds.

One of the key strengths of Time Out was the skill and talent of the musicians who played on the record. In addition to Brubeck on piano and Desmond on saxophone, the album also featured Eugene Wright on bass and Joe Morello on drums. Wright’s deep, resonant bass lines provided a strong foundation for the complex rhythms of the album, while Morello’s precise, technical drumming added an extra layer of complexity to the record.

Desmond’s saxophone playing was a particular highlight of the album, with his smooth, melodic lines providing a perfect counterpoint to Brubeck’s intricate piano playing. Desmond’s playing on tracks such as Take Five and Strange Meadow Lark demonstrated his exceptional musicianship and his ability to create a distinctive sound that was both lyrical and innovative.

Time Out has had a lasting impact on jazz music, inspiring countless musicians to experiment with unconventional rhythms and forms. The album’s most famous track, Take Five has become a jazz standard and remains one of the most recognisable and beloved jazz compositions of all time. The track’s distinctive 5/4 time signature has been emulated and reinterpreted by numerous jazz musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheney and Chick Corea, among others. The album’s influence has also extended beyond jazz, inspiring musicians in other genres to explore new

EM_ST.qxp_Layout 1 04/06/2023 14:28 Page 2 rhythms and sounds. thebeatandtrack.co.uk

One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of Time Out is the way in which Brubeck and his band managed to combine complex rhythms with a sense of accessibility. The album is still highly listenable, thick with catchy hooks and melodies. It’s this balance of the challenging and comfortable that has helped to make Time Out a timeless classic.

In addition to its musical influence, Time Out also had an important social impact. The album was released at a time when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and its success helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry. Brubeck’s quartet was one of the first racially integrated jazz groups and their success helped to pave the way for other interracial groups to follow.

Dave Brubeck’s Time Out is a landmark album that changed the course of jazz music and paved the way for a new generation of musicians to experiment with rhythm, form and sound. Brubeck’s exceptional musicianship, combined with the talent of his quartet, helped to create a groundbreaking record which continues to inspire and delight listeners to this day.

It only remains for me to suggest that you take five and give this gem a listen.

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Under the Radar Abbey 104. The Beat and Track’s Paul Maskell often joins presenter Matt Ambrose on his weekly radio show, bringing you the best new sounds from established underground artists and new and rising acts from across the world. Listen live on 104.7FM or online at abbey104.com