Dave Brubeck - Dave Brubeck In Moscow (1987) [2000]

Recorded in Moscow, this is another example of a terrific Dave Brubeck live album. If you're used to the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Desmond, Morello and Wright, it might take you a while to get used to the slightly different sound created by Chris Brubeck's electric bass and Bill Smith's clarinet (which mouthpiece does he use?!). The latter even uses a delay effect sometimes to create an atmosphere which just wouldn't be achievable without it. As for the songs, we see a few classics like Unsquare Dance (just hear the audience clap along with it, but ultimately give up... and why are the last 2 bars not both in 7/4 but in 6/4 and 7/4 ?), Koto Song (a particular favourite of mine) and Take Five. All of these songs are performed with great style and technique, and this goes for the other songs too. Bill Smith's solo in Koto Song is one of the best he ever did (in my opinion), and it's amazing to hear Randy Jones do his Take Five solo. While he keeps the rythym of 5/4 going with the hi-hat, he manages to play a 4/4 rythym within this scheme. It's impressive, to say the least. When I first heard Dave's solo in Unsquare Dance I wasn't too impressed with it, but oh, how he proved me wrong when I listened thoroughly over and over again. Throughout this album, Mr Brubeck shows us why he has become one of the most famous jazz pianists in the world. Chris Brubeck plays some great bass here, in different styles (from the jazz four beat to more modern styles), and he is perhaps even more proficient with his bass trombone. Please add this album to your collection if you're a Brubeck fan. There's only one bad thing about it, and that's the guy who constantly after the songs screams "Bravo!!" He's right about cheering, but it gets irritating after several times. ~ B. Scholtes


Tracks:

01 Unsquare Dance (6:19)
02 Theme For June (10:32)
03 Some Day My Prince Will Come (6:57)
04 Blues For Newport (8:27)
05 King For A Day (3:29)
06 These Foolish Things (4:41)
07 Pange Lingua March (10:46)
08 Koto Song (9:36)
09 Take Five (12:28)

Personnel:

Dave Brubeck (piano);
Chris Brubeck (trombone, bass);
Bill Smith (clarinet);
Randy Jones (drums).