Dave Brubeck

Thank you Dave: as Always, "Take Five"
Bob Phillips

I have many fond memories of the Dave Brubeck Quartet performing at Western Reserve University and a tent performance venue in East Cleveland (the name escapes me). As a young jazz sax player, the experience of listening to Paul Desmond's "flights of fancy" in concert and also on record inspired me to study music and pursue a career in jazz education. I was so enamored by his sound and jazz lines that I memorized note-for-note all his solos on his "Desmond and Friends" Album.
What I recall totally unique about Brubeck was how he shared the spotlight with the rest of the Quartet, especially Paul. I still can envision how Dave would take a chorus or two and then Paul would saunter up to the microphone and spin out a dozen or more, each building, captivating and enthralling - the audience fixated on each developing phrase. And what was Brubeck doing during those Desmond "flights"? Many a time Dave would stop "comping" and just listen to Paul, smiling like a Cheshire cat, enjoying the moment with the rest of us. Sadly, the recordings of the 50's and 60's never allowed Dave and Paul to stretch out like they did in those concert settings.
And one more observation kind reader: Dave and Paul had this unique ability to employ musical "quotation" in their improvisation. Anybody can interpose a familiar phrase or corny tune in a solo, but to select that just right melodic snippet and weave it logically into a solo is quite a heady trick. Many times the two soloists would engage in a sort of melodic "conversation" - trading lines like two women at a Hadassah party. The audiences loved it and always responded enthusiastically. The result of all of this was oftentimes absolutely hilarious - a complete jazz experience. Where is there any humor in jazz today?
For old hipsters like myself on the bright side of senility, Dave and his faithful music companion Paul Desmond were my heroes, my musical friends, my teachers and source of inspiration, and I miss them. I hope today's hipsters discover their essence and learn from them. Good night Dave, enjoy that session with Paul - I hear he found a good reed.

Dr. Tom Husak, Artistic Director, Austin Community College Jazz Ensemble, Austin, Texas

My grandmother said that you were a good student and your parents were great friends. Ione misses you.

A special soul.

I remember well the jazz concert that Dave and his Quartet, Joe, Gene, and Paul, held in my college in 1962. It was especially rewarding since me and a few of my classmates were asked to sell Dave's programs for the event. As a result we had the honor of going into the locker room area to meet Dave and the Quartet during intermission and at the show ending. I enjoyed it thoroughly and will always remember it. I still have a program, in pristine condition, autographed by all four individuals. We will miss you Dave.

Prayers to you and your brothers Danny. Jennifer Burke

Now you will have the greatest concert with Cal, Mel, and Paul for eternity.
You will never be forgotten.
joe W

I am so saddened by the passing of the great Dave Brubeck- his music was always the swinginist & I always enjoyed it. On a trip to So. Africa in 2001, we went to a little township for a music tour & there, at a Bed & Breakfast, we enjoyed African jazz with the finale being "Take Five". Indeed, his music was loved world-wide, his influence was immense. He made such a positive impact in the world of music & he will be deeply missed. Wishing he & his family peace. Mrs. Jody Snyder, Fremont, CA (pennygwynne@yahoo.com)

I remember attending a jazz concert by Brebeck at Yale in 1968. It was spell binding.I rerember it so well. It was a perfect evening and wonderful experience. He will always be remember through his music,a great and lasting legacy

We learned to love jazz listening to Mr. Dave as we grew up. Thanks & rest in peace.
Smith,SC