Customer Reviews

Last Set at Newport

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first bought this CD, I was disappointed due to the fact that it only plays for just over 35 minutes. However, if is now my favourite. The quartet is in full swing in this recording displaying enormous energy to every piece. The three pieces are explored in the solos to a significant length and it is this element that makes this CD so appealing. This is not a CD for a mellow night at home. Rather it will get your heart pumping.

The intensity of Brubeck's playing is amazing and I find the sound quality very flattering to his pianistic style. The liner notes state that he was quite nervous before going out, and this energy is transformed in beautiful ways on stage. The Quartet cooks and know how to play with fire without getting burned in the process.

The CD only has 3 tracks and the journey is too brief at just over half an hour, but I'd rather have 35 minutes of music like this than 70 minutes of mediocre tracks. I consider it a must-have CD.

"Last Set at Newport" is a short but interesting Brubeck release. Of special note is the extended version of "Take Five," on which Gerry Mulligan reinterprets the sax part into a gritty acid-jazz. Not essential, but worthwhile nonetheless.

I bought this after wearing out two copies of the album. Dave plays here with an intensity and joy that is unsurpassed in any other piano-driven jazz I've ever heard. -[...]