On The Radio: Live 1956-57
The Dave Brubeck Quartet featuring Paul Desmond
2008 Acrobat Music (Made in England)
Dave Brubeck is one of the legendary figures of post-war modern jazz, and was one of the leading figures in the so-called West Coast Cool Jazz style. In 1954 he was sufficiently high profile to be only the second jazz musician, after Louis Armstrong, to be featured on the cover of Time magazine, where he was described as the most exciting new jazz artist at work today. His leaning towards improvisation and experimentation led to the landmark album, Time Out, in 1959. Recorded with Brubeck's classic Quartet line-up with Paul Desmond on alto sax, Joe Morello on drums and Eugene Wright on bass, Time Out
explored unusual time signatures, and resulted in the first million-selling jazz single on the pop charts, Take Five.
These live broadcasts from club performances in 1956-7 capture the group in a key period as the classic Quartet line-up evolved and Brubeck and Desmond explored the potential of their unique and uncanny musical relationship. Twelve tracks come from two gigs at the Basin Street Jazz Club in New York City in February 1956, with three additional tracks being recorded at The Blue Note, Chicago in March 1957. These capture the Brubeck Quartet as Dave developed the rhythm section which would complete the classic line-up featured on Time Out a couple of years later, with drummer Joe Morello joining between the two club dates represented. The club and radio atmosphere is underpinned by inclusion of the announcer links and intros.
Highly regarded UK label Acrobat Music is launching its US operations on October 21st 2008 with this as well as other re-issues that offer high quality and excellent value. All of the Premier Collection titles are showcased in deluxe packages with unique, consistent packaging, which include o-cards, extensive liner notes and either a large number of tracks or lengthy play time. Acrobat will be establishing its presence as the premier independent re-issue label in the US through its distribution deal with TVT Distribution.
Track Listing
1. Theme (The Duke) & Introduction
2. Stardust
3. Gone With The Wind
4. Stompin' for Mili
5. Out of Nowhere (Incomplete)
6. A Minor Thing
7. In Your Own Sweet Way
8. The Trolley Song
9. Introduction & The Duke
10. Love Walked In
11. Here Lies Love
12. All the Things You Are
13. Theme (The Duke) And Introduction
14. I'm In A Dancing Mood
15. The Song Is You
Personnel: Dave Brubeck (piano); Paul Desmond (alto saxophone); Norman Bates (bass instrument); Joe Dodge , Joe Morello (drums).Recording information: Basin Street Jazz Club, New York, NY (02/1956-03/1957); The Blue Note, Chicago, IL (02/1956-03/1957)