Dave Brubeck Quartet: Swiss Radio Days – Zurich 1964 Vol. 42

American pianist and composer Dave Brubeck sadly passed away in 2012 after an extremely fulfilling career in jazz. He is perhaps best known for his use of radical meters and has written several standards through the course of his career.

On this new CD in the Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series, the Dave Brubeck Quartet is captured live at Kongresshaus, Zurich on Sept. 28, 1964. Besides Brubeck (piano) we have Paul Desmond (alto saxophone), Eugene Wright (bass) and Joe Morello (drums).

Now I am not an expert on music construction but it is readily apparent the pianist did often experiment with polytonality as can be heard on the album's first track "Audrey". The music is strangely melodic, not catchy in the normal sense but really quite beautiful. The wonderful alto sax of Desmond helps in that regard but it is also Brubeck's piano work that is irresistibly compelling as his use of multiple lines lend an imaginative abstract expression to the piece. "Cable Car" is a lightly swinging piece highlighted by outstanding sax and piano solos whereas the classic "Take Five" is perhaps the quartet's best known tune with its recognizable sax melody and consummate musicianship.

It is also important to take note of the excellent sound quality. For a live recording it is exceptional.

Zurich 1964 is another stellar entry in the Swiss Radio Jazz Series and is a must have for all fans of classic jazz.

Track Listing:
1. Audrey (10:33)
2. Cable Car (7:48)
3. You Go To My Head (10:31)
4. Take Five (11:15)
5. Koto Song (6:37)
6. Pennies From Heaven (10:35)
7. Shimwa (8:10)
8. Thank You (7:04)

Added: May 22nd 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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