David Warren Brubeck, born December 6, 1920 in California, was an American jazz pianist and composer. Often regarded as a foremost exponent of cool jazz, Brubeck's work is characterized by unusual time signatures and superimposing contrasting rhythms, meters, and tonalities. Brubeck was drafted into the US Army, but was spared from combat service when a Red Cross show he had played became a hit. Within the US Army, Brubeck formed one of the first racially diverse bands. In 1951, Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which kept its name despite shifting personnel. The most successful - and prolific - lineup of the quartet was current between 1958 and 1968 and featured saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright and drummer Joe Morello. A U.S. Department of State-sponsored tour in 1958 featuring the band inspired several of Brubeck's subsequent albums, most notably1959’s Time Out. Despite its esoteric theme and contrarian time signatures, the record became Brubeck's highest-selling album, and the first jazz album to sell over one million copies. The lead single "Take Five", written by Desmond, similarly became the highest-selling jazz single of all time.
This superb 4-CD collection brings together eight original albums that Dave and the quartet released during the 1950s, the era generally considered to be the great man’s golden years. Serving as both a wonderful starting point for those new to Brubeck’s music, and as a divine reminder of his finest work for the rest of us, this set remains a must-have collection for just about anyone who has been blessed with ears and a love of music.
DISC ONE
1 All The Things You Are 9:10
2 Laura 3:11
3 Lullaby In Rhythm 7:22
4 I’ll Never Smile Again 5:27
5 I Remember You 9:12
6 For All We Know 5:52
7 Audrey 3:35
8 Jeepers Creepers 4:58
9 Pennies From Heaven 6:29
10 Why Do I Love You? 5:42
11 Stompin’ For Mili 5:27
12 Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now 5:07
13 A Fine Romance 3:50
14 Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? 5:18
DISC TWO
1 Nomad 7:22
2 Brandenburg Gate 6:55
3 The Golden Horn 5:03
4 Thank You (Dziekuje) 3:35
5 Marble Arch 7:00
6 Calcutta Blues 8:33
7 Blue Rondo À La Turk 6:48
8 Strange Meadow Lark 7:26
9 Take Five 5:27
10 Three To Get Ready 5:26
11 Kathy’s Waltz 4:52
12 Everybody’s Jumpin’ 4:25
13 Pick Up Sticks 4:20
DISC THREE
1 Balcony Rock 11:59
2 Out Of Nowhere 8:06
3 Le Souk 4:41
4 Take The ‘A’ Train 6:17
5 The Song Is You 5:44
6 Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me 8:49
7 I Want To Be Happy 6:38
8 There’ll Be Some Changes Made 2:09
9 My Melancholy Baby 3:59
10 Blues In The Dark 4:39
11 I Never Knew (I Could Love Anyone Like I’m Loving You) 2:29
12 Ain’t Misbehavin’ 3:23
13 All By Myself 2:32
14 River, Stay ‘Way From My Door 4:23
15 You Can Depend On Me 3:30
16 Am I Blue? 2:52
DISC FOUR
1 Swanee River 5:54
2 The Lonesome Road 7:35
3 Georgia On My Mind 6:33
4 Camptown Races 1:57
5 Camptown Races (Alternative Take) 2:09
6 Short’nin Bread 2:28
7 Basin Street Blues 4:32
8 Ol’ Man River 6:23
9 Gone With The Wind 2:28
10 Dorian Dance 3:26
11 Peace, Brother 3:52
12 Invention 4:55
13 Lydian Line 5:21
14 Catch-Me-If-You-Can 1:44
15 Frisco Frog 5:58
16 The Piper 2:45
17 Soliloquy 3:23
18 One For The Kids 3:08
19 Ballade 3:57