Dave Brubeck "Essential" 2LP

Dave Brubeck "Essential" 2LP

$54.99 Sale

Format: 2LP, remastered from the original sources

Label: Columbia/Legacy

Released: 2016

Country: U.S.

This double-disc overview collects 31 tracks selected by Dave Brubeck and provides an excellent overview of his long career. While the temptation would be to concentrate on the wildly successful run of albums his quartet -- with saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright, and drummer Joe Morello -- cut for the label between 1958 and 1967, this compilation actually contains cuts from 24 albums recorded between 1949 and 2002, and draws from numerous labels, settings, concerts, and studio sessions.

Certainly most of the hits are here, including "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo à la Turk," but so are lesser-known favorites from the early years, including live versions of Duke Ellington tunes such as "Perdido" and "Take the 'A' Train." In addition, Brubeck has often chosen mono versions over later stereo ones and the set is all the better for it -- go no further than the spooky modal blues called "Audrey" on disc one for proof.

Disc two provides much of the better-known material, including some excellent takes on show tunes such as the theme from Mr. Broadway and "Maria" from West Side Story. While it's true that Time Out provides an excellent introduction to the music of Brubeck's famed quartet all by itself, this collection is a compelling introduction for the beginner to get the vast range of Dave Brubeck's musical range and complexities as a composer, as well as his dynamite presence as a performer.

Tracklisting

  1. Indiana
  2. Perdido (Live)
  3. Take The "A" Train (Live)
  4. Le Souk (Live)
  5. Audrey
  6. The Duke (Live)
  7. In Your Own Sweet Way
  8. Weep No More
  9. Some Day My Prince Will Come
  10. Tangerine (Live)
  11. Brandenburg Gate
  12. Three To Get Ready
  13. Blue Rondo A La Turk
  14. There'll Be Some Changes Made
  15. Take Five
  16. Maria
  17. It's A Raggy Waltz
  18. Unsquare Dance
  19. Kathy's Waltz (Instrumental)
  20. Travelin' Blues (Live)
  21. Summer Song
  22. That Old Black Magic
  23. Bossa Nova U.S.A.
  24. Autumn In Washington Square
  25. Theme From "Mr. Broadway"
  26. La Paloma Azul (Live)
  27. Recuerdo (Live)
  28. Caravan (Live)
  29. Stardust
  30. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
  31. Love For Sale (Live)