Customer Reviews

In Their Own Sweet Way

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

 

 

The first 8 songs really set the mood, mellow, lots of improvisation, intelligent, interesting. All in all, very enjoyable to listen to. However, song # 9, MY ONE BAD HABIT contains long, irritating fragments of bass trumpet that somehow doesn't seem to belong in this collection. Also the sound of the trumpet is set too loud; one short fragment would have been enough. I keep finding myself wishing it would end. Also, the last piece SWEET GEORGIA BROWN doesn't belong in this collection at all. It is fast- paced and loud. The drums are overbearing, predictable and disruptive. These last two songs are a disappointing ending to this otherwise mellow, pleasant album.

A great album!! -- but definitely not the classic quartet of the '50s & '60s, and not a CD I play every month. Neither is this like the earlier "Two Generations of Brubeck" album, which was heavily influenced by a 70's rock feel. Here Dave is playing with his four sons, now grown children, some of whom have made their own marks on the music world. Interestingly, this project was rather impromptu, being arranged by the studio when they had a session canceled due to a snowstorm, and I don't believe there was a lot of rehearsal (nor a need for it!), probably being considered rather a fun time for the clan. The liner notes are a fun plus...

Brubeck likes to label his music as -- what was it, "experimental?" -- but he does not like it being labeled "cool jazz." This album reflects that. "In Your Own Sweet Way" is given a fresh face with 5/4, cello plays a big part in the CD, there's a "free" piece, and several good pieces simply are definitely NOT "easy-listening." However, this stuff is not esoteric, inaccessible music, either -- let's just say it constitutes a measured stretch for the ears of casual Brubeck listeners. Take a listen to the samples first if you like, or just go for it and stretch your ears!

I must confess I did not know of Dave Brubeck until some month ago when I heard Moscow Nights, a wonderful album. This has all the finess you can expect form the master and his family. Bravo maestros!!