Customer Reviews

One Alone

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

 

 

This CD is solo piano work of Dave Brubeck, similar to other CDs that he has released (Dave Brubeck plays and plays and plays, Just you, Just Me). Like these other CDs, this one also amazes the listener that such music could come from one instrument, like the title says, one alone. As a pianist, it is inspiring to hear variations and interpretations without use of a trio.

This CD has all kinds of styles. Some songs use a stride bass, others are bitonal (possibly polytonal, my ear isn't that sharp) and other jazz arranging techniques are employed as well. Over all, the CD is a must for any Brubeck fan.

Dave Brubeck in his quartet is a majestic thing: his vital improvising, his off-kilter yet dead-on rhythmic sense and his wonderful songwriting and arranging is always on display for us. Yet, Dave doesn't get the chance in his group (especially his current one) to display his full range of pianistic gifts; he's got too many good musicians to compete with! On this album, Dave's special keyboard touch can finally be heard. Sure, we've all heard the criticisms before: Dave can't swing, he just pounds, has a limited technique, etc. Nonsense. People said the same things about Miles and Monk. Here Dave shows the full flow of his musical ideas on his beloved instrument. Just like Monk and the Duke, Dave uses his piano for composing, too. I get the same special feeling when I listen to any of these three masters alone at a piano. It's the sound of their concepts, completely unfettered from the absence of other musicians. Here, Brubeck's wondeful sense of harmony and his musical command of polytonality (as opposed to gimmicky command) are especially evident. It's Dave, one alone, with no worries...in complete command.

This CD really shows off Dave's under-rated piano-playing abilities. To all who say that he just pounds or doesn't swing, I tell them to check this CD out. It's beautiful, expressive, and all-in-all excellent. :-)

Some people will not appreciate Brubeck's solo CDs because
they are solo piano albuns without a "fast and continuous" swing (sometimes).

But pay attention to the harmonization: Very sophisticated.

In fact, it is because of this harmonization that I am rating this CD with 5 stars.
I wish I could rate it with 10 stars.

Listen with an open mind and notice that all renditions are very balanced and this CD is really a masterpiece!

I have loved Dave Brubeck ever since I was 15. That's a long time ago. I must have 15 of his CDs. I love his solo stuff and this is a fine example of his brilliance. Of all his solo performances this one is my second favorite, my all time favorite being Private Brubeck Remembers. Get that one first and order this one next. You'll be in 7th heaven with this great, great gifted musician.

There is excellent technique but playing style is too academic on my glance, no jazz briskness. The music from album more reminds modern classical.