Music Tuesday: Take Five
Dave Brubeck: An Unlikely Hit, 50 Years Strong – NPR
Thanks to JW, I learned that this month is the 50th anniversary of the recording of “Take Five” the Dave Brubeck Quartet classic.
Only trained musicians might understand exactly what gave the Paul Desmond-penned song its flow. It was all in the time signature: five beats to the measure, a departure from more traditional four-four time in jazz. It was cutting-edge and cool — a song millions would scoop up and savor. In an interview with Michele Norris, Brubeck explains what made the time signature so difficult.“You were brought up playing in four-four,” Brubeck says. “Everybody could walk to it and dance to it. Put an extra beat on it — everybody’s tripping.
I am not a trained musician, so I’ll just go with I really like it. When it comes to jazz, I know very little about it, but (how would Potter Stewart have put it?) I know it when I hear it and I know what I like.
I’m pretty sure my dad saw the Dave Brubeck Quartet back in the day, maybe he’ll comment on the experience.
Dave Brubeck Quartet, Take Five, Paul Desmond, jazz
I love this song. 5/4 is very unique and it just works perfectly here. I played it in my high school jazz ensemble a few times and it was one of my favorites to play at the time.
Thanks for the info on this one! I may just have to share it on my site as well!
Try switching 6/8 from 3 beats to 2 in the middle of a song. Now THAT throws everybody off.