Take Five appeared on the album “Time Out” where the whole
concept of the album was to perform songs of an odd time signature. Dave
Brubeck had been inspired to create such an album after he had toured Eastern
Europe and heard some street musicians performing songs in odd time signatures.
Take Five was in the meter of 5/4. The catchy melody crossed musical lines and
the song not only became a hit on the pop charts but became the signature song
of Dave Brubeck’s long illustrious career.
With great confidence, I can say that you have heard this
song, even if you don’t know it by its title. It has been covered countless
times by other artist and was also used about 10 years ago in a Lexus
commercial. The song is one of, IF NOT the best instrumental hit of all time. Despite
the songs amazing popularity, it was the only one on the “Time Out” album that
WASN’T written by Brubeck. It was written by Dave’s saxophone player Paul
Desmond.
Paul Desmond is a name that is certainly respected in jazz circles
and had a nice career of his own. His popularity never rivaled that of Brubeck.
Yet when I listen to Dave Brubeck all I can hear is Paul Desmond. His sound is
so inextricably linked to Brubeck that I wonder how popular Dave would have
become without the sweet sound of Paul. The two together provided a beautiful
blend of music that rivals any musical tandem, yet other famous musical
partnerships, ie. Lennon/McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel, Jan and Dean, Ashford
and Simpson, Paul’s recognition is easily lost under the umbrella of the Dave
Brubeck Quartet. In the world of stardom and egos which jazz musicians are
certainly not immune to, one might assume that this lack of recognition might create
a wedge between the two yet there is no evidence of that it did. They worked
together for roughly 18 years including 8 years after the release of Time Out.
It was only when Brubeck decided to focus more on writing that Desmond engaged
with other musicians. Afterward they would occasionally come back together for
musical reunions up until Paul’s early death in 1977 from lung cancer. Upon his
death his saxophone was left to one of Brubeck’s sons.
The sweet distinctive sound of Paul Desmond is so pleasing
to my ears. He is by far my favorite saxophonist. His clean, non-aggressive,
melodic style is like a cool drink of water on a hot summer’s day. Very
refreshing! While reflecting on his life and career, I wondered what might have happened if he insisted on his fame and recognition over just
playing music. His song was famous yet he was not in comparison. Would this have
disrupted both of their careers had Desmond branched out on his own and refused
to let Dave use his song? Well there is no way of knowing that but I am
thankful that it didn’t. It seems that they just were doing what they were doing,
regardless of where fame took them. They were just Paul and Dave and were friends
first, musicians second, on a musical journey through a lifetime.
Paul's work continues to inspire new generations of players including my son Zach, who uses a similar set up (mouthpiece and reeds) to Paul. His lyrical approach to soloing tells me that the Paul's influence didn't stop with just equipment. for he also prefers solos that are not over done and melodies that are pure and simple.
Your assignment today is to take five to enjoy the song "Take Five" and appreciate and celebrate the master musician Paul Desmond just being who he was, a member of a famous jazz quartet who's name escapes me at the moment. (smile)
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