Customer Reviews

London Flat London Sharp

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As he approaches the age of 85 in 2005, Jazz piano legend Dave Brubeck still shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Proof that Brubeck still has it all together as much as he did forty and fifty years ago lays in his latest CD "London Flat, London Sharp". Here, Brubeck and his youthful quartet tackle some brand new masterworks as well as offering a new twist on a few Brubeck classics.
Of the newer pieces, the title track and "Yes, We All Have Our Cross To Bear" are the best showcasing Brubeck's flawless swinging piano alongside Bobby Militello's screaming alto sax.
The other new piece "Steps To Peace" (composed by Brubeck's friend Derrill Bodley) is a tender ballad which features a stirring melody and Militello on the flute.
Of the reworked pieces, the standouts are the classics originally performed by Brubeck's classic quartet (which included the late Paul Desmond). "Unisphere", "Cassandra" and "Forty Days" all stem from the time period where Brubeck was successfully experimenting with polyrhythms and odd meters. The new recordings here are nothing short of breathtaking offering a new yet familiar twist. The other standout in the reworked material is the new version of "Mr. Fats" (originally from 1980) in which all the members of the quartet get a chance to shine. Dave's boogie-woogie piano figure as well as Michael Moore's bowed bass solo and Militello's funk-laden sax work are all standouts here.
Indeed, there is not a bad piece of music on this disc. While it's not quite up to par with classics such as "Time Out", "London Flat, London Sharp" is still a dynamic effort from this legendary musician. Dave Brubeck and his current group of players are in top form here. All of them display extraordinary musicianship and craft. Here's hoping that Brubeck will continue to make music of this high of quality even ten years from now!!
Bravo, Brubeck!!! God Bless!!!

Dave Brubeck released many fine follow-ups to his classic "time out." But this is one rare guy who gets even better in older age. At 80+ years of age, the guy comes up with a dozen fresh ideas for original compositions, and arrangements, that, for this reader, truly continue where "time out" left off in 1958.

I am 40 now and LFLS gives me hope about getting older!

I have a collection of almost everything Brubeck has ever done. I especially liked the Bodley piece, "Steps to Peace," on this album. It's a slight departure from the usual Brubeck, and a beautiful tribute.