The Dave Brubeck Quartet – London Flat/London Sharp (with Bobby Militello, alto sax & flute; Michael Moore, doublebass; Randy Jones, drums)

by | May 19, 2005 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

The Dave Brubeck Quartet – London Flat/London Sharp (with Bobby
Militello, alto sax & flute; Michael Moore, doublebass; Randy
Jones, drums) – Telarc CD-83625, 58:23 ****:

Jazz
piano legend Dave Brubeck just keeps going like that battery bunny. His
newest release for Telarc celebrates his 85th birthday, and grew out a
grueling tour of Britain. Hard to believe that it was way back in 1954
that Brubeck was on the cover of TIME magazine in an article heralding
the rebirth of jazz. Saxist Bobby Militello is no Paul Desmond but he
does a fine job displaying the sophisticated Brubeck melodic and
harmonic structures heard on these ten mostly original tracks.
Especially nice and not heard much in earlier Brubeck ensembles are the
flute solos.

The title tune came from Brubeck’s
own remark to the organizer of his British tour that after some long
bus rides they would be staying in a London flat. He said “That would
be sharp.” There are two selections from Brubeck’s extensive works for
liturgical purposes (he recently was award a theology doctorate by a
Swiss University). Mr. Fats honors the great Fats Waller. These are all
stimulating and enjoyable tracks, but you won’t hear the percussive
note-crammed chords of the Brubeck of decades ago nor the breathless
buildup to them. After all, would you still be wanting to do that when
you’re 85?

Tracks: London Flat London Sharp, To Sit and Dream, The Time of Our
Madness, Unisphere, Steps to Peace, Forty Days, Cassandra, Yes We All
Have Our Cross to Bear, Mr. Fats, Ballad of the Rhine.

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