The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out (Full Album)

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Time Out is a studio album by the American jazz group the Dave Brubeck Quartet, released in 1959 on Columbia Records. Recorded at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City, it is based upon the use of time signatures that were unusual for jazz such as 9/8, 6/4, and 5/4.[6] The album is a subtle blend of cool and West Coast jazz. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard pop albums chart, and has been certified platinum by the RIAA (Wikipedia).

AllMusic Review by Steve Huey:
Dave Brubeck’s defining masterpiece, Time Out is one of the most rhythmically innovative albums in jazz history, the first to consciously explore time signatures outside of the standard 4/4 beat or 3/4 waltz time. It was a risky move — Brubeck’s record company wasn’t keen on releasing such an arty project, and many critics initially roasted him for tampering with jazz’s rhythmic foundation. But for once, public taste was more advanced than that of the critics. Buoyed by a hit single in altoist Paul Desmond’s ubiquitous “Take Five,” Time Out became an unexpectedly huge success, and still ranks as one of the most popular jazz albums ever. That’s a testament to Brubeck and Desmond’s abilities as composers, because Time Out is full of challenges both subtle and overt — it’s just that they’re not jarring. Brubeck’s classic “Blue Rondo à la Turk” blends jazz with classical form and Turkish folk rhythms, while “Take Five,” despite its overexposure, really is a masterpiece; listen to how well Desmond’s solo phrasing fits the 5/4 meter, and how much Joe Morello’s drum solo bends time without getting lost. The other selections are richly melodic as well, and even when the meters are even, the group sets up shifting polyrhythmic counterpoints that nod to African and Eastern musics. Some have come to disdain Time Out as its become increasingly synonymous with upscale coffeehouse ambience, but as someone once said of Shakespeare, it’s really very good in spite of the people who like it. It doesn’t just sound sophisticated — it really is sophisticated music, which lends itself to cerebral appreciation, yet never stops swinging. Countless other musicians built on its pioneering experiments, yet it’s amazingly accessible for all its advanced thinking, a rare feat in any art form. This belongs in even the most rudimentary jazz collection (http://www.allmusic.com/album/time-out-mw0000187775).


Track listing:
All pieces composed by Dave Brubeck, except “Take Five” by Paul Desmond.

Side one
“Blue Rondo à la Turk” – 6:44
“Strange Meadow Lark” – 7:22
“Take Five” – 5:24
Side two
“Three to Get Ready” – 5:24
“Kathy’s Waltz” – 4:48
“Everybody’s Jumpin'” – 4:23
“Pick Up Sticks” – 4:16

Personnel:
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Dave Brubeck – piano
Paul Desmond – alto saxophone
Eugene Wright – bass
Joe Morello – drums

Released: December 14, 1959
Recorded: June 25, July 1, and August 18, 1959
Studio Columbia 30th Street Studio
New York City
Length: 38:21
Label: Columbia
Producer: Teo Macero