Take Five (1961)

taken from Wikipedia – Take Five

“Take Five” is a classic jazz piece first recorded by The Dave Brubeck Quartet and released on its 1959 album Time Out. Composed by Paul Desmond, the group’s saxophonist, it became famous for its distinctive, catchy saxophone melody and use of quintuple time, from which the piece got its name.

While “Take Five” was not the first jazz composition to use this meter, it was the first of United States mainstream significance, becoming a hit on the radio at a time when rock music was in fashion. It is also known for the solo by jazz drummer Joe Morello.The piece has been covered by numerous artists, including a version with lyrics written by Dave Brubeck and his wife Iola, sung by Carmen McRae in 1961. Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund recorded a version titled I New York with lyrics by Beppe Wolgers in 1962.

Dave Brubeck is a magician on the keys. It’s been five years since I discovered his music while haunting for old records in some obscure store. Every night since then has been empty without Brubeck playing in the background: while reading a book, while running on a deadline, while smoking outside and looking at the moon, while waiting to fall asleep.

I think of rain when I listen to Brubeck. It’s the pitter-patter on my spine. Accompanied by Paul Desmond’s alto saxophone, the bass of Eugene Wright, and Joe Morello’s drums, it’s beautiful music like nothing else. They’re individually talented as well, and even better when together.

“Take Five” is one of the greatest jazz hits of all time, and probably one of the very few strokes of pure genius. It sold millions, and propelled the Quartet to the world.

And because my words cannot even begin to describe such greatness, here is one of his performances, The Dave Brubeck Quartet in concert, playing “Take Five” from 1961:

Won’t you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I’m alive