Jazz Collection

Dave Brubeck | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 1995)
• Original Release Date: April 11, 1995
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002A2W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,219 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Souk

2. Stompin' for Mili

3. In Your Own Sweet Way

4. History of a Boy Scout (We Crossed the Rhine)

5. Home at Last

6. Someday My Prince Will Come

7. Tangerine

8. The Golden Horn

9. Georgia on My Mind

10. Three to Get Ready

11. Blue Rondo a la Turk

Editorial Reviews

This 28-song double-disc set neatly covers Dave's storied career on Columbia Records. Includes Take Five; Blue Rondo a la Turk; It's a Raggy Waltz; Unsquare Dance; In Your Own Sweet Way , and much more, with cohorts Paul Desmond, Joe Morello, Jimmy Rushing, Carmen McRae, Louis Armstrong, Gerry Mulligan and others. Notes, photos and track info, too!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild Ride Through the World of Brubeck!, August 18, 2004

By 

Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" (Newark, Delaware) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jazz Collection (Audio CD)

If I had to list three jazz artists who should be remembered for bold innovation and the talent of reinventing (and constantly outdoing) themsevles, I would list Coletrane, Davis, and Brubeck. The first two names, to jazz officianados, should seem obvious. But Brubeck might raise some eyebrows here; for some reason, he never commanded the respect from 'jazzers' that the other two did. Well, this compilation of Brubeck's Columbia Records career should erase all doubt! Each track finds the quartet finding a new 'sound' to make their own. In terms of ability to reinvent and push boundaries, Brubeck should NOT be overlooked!

This 2 CD set spans about 25 years of Brubeck's career - from "Jazz at Oberlin" to Brubeck's several meetings with Gerry Mulligan. The format is chronological and as such, illustrates brilliantly Brubeck and his band's evolution. And for those who've not gotten past the enigma that is "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo a la Turk," (yes, those beauties are here!) get ready to catch a glimpse of some really wonderful jazz. From the out-and-out quirky ("Unsquare Dance") to the soulfully beautiful ("Fujiyama") this set is full of tracks that shine, but shine in different ways.

One thing that always strikes me is that through all the variation in Brubeck's music (from polyrythmic bossa novas and 5/4 meditations to duets with Charles Mingus and revamps of Disney tunes), Brubeck's quartet is one of the tightest I have ever heard in all my listening years. The combination of Brubeck's stocatto and meandering style, Paul Desmond's "West Coast cool" behind-the-beat sax playing, and Morello's ultra tight drum work compliment each other amazingly. No matter what style they are playing, these players are tight individually and as a group and are always having fun!

But I digress. If Brubeck is not in your collection, he should be and this CD will offer a great starting point. If Brubeck IS in your collection, this compilation is a great way to chart the progression of this inventive quartet's career.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation of Brubeck's music, October 29, 2006

By 

Trevis Rothwell (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jazz Collection (Audio CD)

It must be hard to sift through Dave Brubeck's many recordings and come up with a two-disc "best of" compilation... what do you include? What must you leave out? The folks who put this set together did a pretty good job, presenting the essence of Brubeck's sound and musical innovations.

This set includes the classic "Take Five", as well as Dave performing with jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Charles Mingus. My favorite track? "History of a Boy Scout", from the now-out-of-print "Jazz Impressions of the USA" album. Good jazz music doesn't just sound neat; it paints a picture in your imagination. It represents life. This performance definitely paints a picture that matches its title.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good (if you like Brubeck), if not..., June 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Jazz Collection (Audio CD)

I own Take Five and have always enjoyed it, so I bought this CD as I wanted to further explore Brubeck's music. The CD contains 28 songs spanning Brubeck's career with Columbia from 1954 to 1970 for a good price. As a collection, I rate this album a 5 as it contains a strong overview of Brubeck's many albums for Columbia and the many moods of Brubeck as a pianist. As music, I give it a 3 because I found Brubeck's style to be slightly homogenous after awhile. I'm no jazz aficionado and admire the man, but after an hour of music the songs tend to blend into one another. The exceptions are the Take Five songs and his duet with Mingus. Still if you love Brubeck or want an introduction to his copious output, this is a great place to start.