Record Reviews

DAVE BRUBECK ~ TIME OUT (50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY EDITION) COLUMBIA 39852 (Barcode: 886973985229) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 - 1964 Released: 2009 The fact that this album was destined to become probably the most famous Jazz recording, at least for non-Jazz oriented listeners (as well as one of the genre´s all time bestsellers), is one of world´s mysteries. After all, in spite of the seemingly "easy and pleasant sounding" impression this music makes on most listeners, it was in fact quite difficult and devilishly clever music, completely revolutionary and anything but "normal" by any standard. Pianist / composer Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist and his crew: saxophonist Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist, bassist Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe MorelloFind albums by this artist turned just about every Jazz rule upside down on this milestone recording, introducing odd / irregular time signatures, which were unthinkable up to that moment, classical chord structures, which previously belonged only in European Classical Music and multi-themed compositions, which were completely foreign to Bebop clear and straightforward compositions. And yet, in spite all this "strangeness" the album was an instant hit; go figure? On the other hand however, Brubeck was far from being the only revolutionary figure on the American Jazz scene, with dozens of key musicians / composers breaking down barriers of previously impregnable limitations in Jazz, from the pioneers of Free Jazz on one hand to masters of Cool on the other. The greatest test of all, the test of time, applied to this album shows unequivocally that superb music lasts forever. This music is beyond time and any esthetic limitations, it´s forever young and inspiring and perhaps today, more then ever, listening to this timeless classic can save some of us from the havoc of bullshit being offered as music these days. This beautiful edition adds to the original album some live recordings at Newport Jazz Festival, recorded between 1961 and 1964, where this quartet flies through the music gracefully. The remastered sound of the original album and the live recording is spectacular. As if this would not be enough, a DVD is added, which includes a great documentary about making of this album as well as some live footage of the quartet. What can I say? Look up all the synonyms of the word "essential" and apply to this classic, timeless masterpiece!

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend