Two new 1959 Brubeck Quartet concerts now released…
Dave Brubeck Quartet – Live from the Northwest, 1959 – Brubeck Editions # 202310001 Record Store Day – audiophile vinyl – ****
(Dave Brubeck – piano; Paul Desmond – alto sax; Eugene Wright – bass; Joe Morello – drums)
It’s a special treat when previously unissued material from jazz iconic groups sees the light of day. It’s extra special when the acoustics match the anticipation. Such is the case when Dave Brubeck’s sons (all jazz musicians in their own right) are the source for the release. Under their own label, Brubeck Editions, “the boys” are issuing, in nicely remastered vinyl, material from two concerts from 1959, recorded remotely by famed sound engineer, Wally Heider. (Heider went on to much greater fame recording rock stars in his San Francisco studio in the ’60s and 70’s).
This material comes from an April 4, 1959 concert at the Multnomah Hotel (long since shuttered, but once an historic building) in Portland, Oregon. The second location (the next night) was a better acoustic venue, at the Clark College, just over the river in Vancouver, WA.
Recorded just four months before the Time Out sessions that have stood the test of time as one of the most well known jazz albums ever, the two Northwest concerts hold up well. Brubeck’s quartet featured his greatest partner ever, altoist, Paul Desmond. Paul possessed a “feathery” tone that is immediately recognizable. With his easy going, swinging style, he was the perfect match for Brubeck’s improvisation, and they two “mind-read” each other using contrapuntal passages. With bassist, Eugene Wright, and drummer, Joe Morello (arguably Brubeck’s greatest drummer), along, this group was a well-oiled machine.
Whether it be standards like “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “Basin Street Blues,” or originals like “Two Part Connection,” the quartet made their repertoire sound vital and easily swings. Dave and Paul would insert witty song quotes that touched their imaginations.
Brubeck’s talent as a blues pianist is on display, as is Joe Morello’s understated brush and stick work. Eugene Wright’s bass talents are as steady as a yoga master’s meditative heart beat.
There is an uptempo “Saints” version, a laid back “Basin Street Blues,” and “The Lonesome Road,” that goes from melancholy, almost searching, to more assertive as the group explores the themes of our lives, from childhood to death.
The album cover features a beautiful abstract art painting with a photo montage of the group. There is also liner notes from the Brubeck boys outlining their love and admiration for this particular quartet’s members.
Scott Petito at NRS Studio has done an admirable job editing, mixing, and mastering the tracks, and audio restoration was done by Douglas C. Anderson.
Let’s hope that Dave’s sons have a few more unreleased treasures to share with us…
—Jeff Krow
Live from the Northwest, 1959
Tracklist:
Side A:
When the Saints Go Marching In (6:38)
Basin Street Blues (6:43)
The Lonesome Road (7:38)
Side B:
Two Part Connection (11:45)
Gone With the Wind (8:10)
More Information through Record Store Day
