Track Listing

1. Blue Rondo A La Turk
2. Strange Meadowlark
3. Take Five
4. Three To Get Ready
5. Kathy's Waltz
6. Everybody's Jumpin'
7. Pick Up Sticks

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #412 in Music
• Released on: 1997-04-07
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
Boasting the first jazz instrumental to sell a million copies, the Paul Desmond-penned "Take Five", Time Out captures the celebrated jazz quartet at the height of both its popularity and its powers. Recorded in 1959, the album combines superb performances by pianist Brubeck, alto saxophonist Desmond, drummer Joe Morrello and bassist Gene Wright. Along with "Take Five", the album features another one of the group's signature compositions, "Blue Rondo a la Turk". Though influenced by the West Coast-cool school, Brubeck's greatest interest and contribution to jazz was the use of irregular meters in composition, which he did with great flair. Much of the band's appeal is due to Desmond, whose airy tone and fluid attack often carried the band's already strong performances to another level. Together, he and Brubeck proved one of the most potent pairings of the era. --Fred Goodman

CD Description
Second only to Jazz Samba by Stan Getz, as the most commercially successful jazz record of all time (it even contained a single for the pop charts, Paul Desmond's magnificent 'Take Five'), Brubeck brilliantly popularised jazz and offered it as a palatable alternative to Bobby Vee. This album sold by the trunkload and made Brubeck a popular star. Those jazz critics who shunned him for becoming too commercial must eattheir words, as this is a monumental album of the finest modern jazz. 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' and 'Kathy's Waltz' demonstrate this man's graceful, nonchalant class.

Customer Reviews

Listening to this on the way to hear Dave Brubeck last night
Dave Brubeck was in Houston for a concert last night, and we were listening to this album on the way there. A classic album, a classic artist. Though there was no Paul Desmond at the concert, it was fantastic to finally get to hear Dave in person.

It's hard to pick a favorite tune from this album, as they are all wonderful to listen to. "Take Five", the main hit from this album, sounds great on this remastered version, and it sounded amazing as his 85 year old hands tickled the ivories at the concert. Bobby Militello filled in well and amply for Paul Desmond on sax at the performance, by the way.

In addition to "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo A La Turk", I also enjoy "Kathy's Waltz" and "Everybody's Jumpin'", with the Sax lead opening and Dave's piano answering, and the following exchange and counter point.

Also, if you have not heard any of Dave Brubeck's choral arrangements, I would highly recommend them. They were played last night with the Dave Brubeck quartet, the Houston Chamber Choir and a brass section. Simply amazing. You can find them on his albums "The Gates of Justice" and "To Hope".

Play it Once, and Your Speakers Will Never Be the Same.
When I heard that Sony remastered this CD, I immediately grabbed myself a copy. Dave Brubeck's "Time Out" isn't just a great album; it also gives me fond childhood memories from when I first listened to this recording as a toddler. At the risk of recycling a cliche, it's one of those vital albums that transcends musical boundaries, and it's accessible to the masses while also remaining cutting edge. Producer Teo Macero, who is also responsible for some of Miles Davis' most essential recordings, brings out the very best in each of the players on this record. In my opinion, the very heart of this 1959 release is the exceptional "Take Five." The dynamic interaction between Brubeck's piano and Paul Desmond's expressive saxophone makes this one of the most unforgettable and powerful pieces of jazz ever played on a vinyl record. Other album cuts like "Three to Get Ready" and "Blue Rondo a la Turk" are timeless pieces that are so effortlessly graceful they seem to walk on water. Along with Miles' "Kind of Blue" and Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," Brubeck's "Time Out" is one of THE essential jazz recordings to own. It's a 100% risk-free purchase; even more so with the newly repackaged and remastered edition. But don't just take my word for it. "Time Out" is an experience that has to be heard to be believed.

Time out of mind over matter in the universe which blah blah
I dont pretend to fully grasp the various time signatures, and as such neither do i give pay much heed to the value of this record as Mr Brubeck and his bandmates' exercise in extreme muso ramblings. What matters is: The whole thing just swings. From start to finish, this is jazz that will make you tap your toes and hum along at the same time, and all too often in my relatively limited jazz experience, either a good rythmn or a catchy melody seems forsaken for the other. Joe Morello's drums and Gene Wright's bass keep the whole thing rolling without ever dominating Paul Desmond's sax, almost flute-like in the warmth of it's tone, or Brubeck's often understated piano. Time Out sounds to me like the soundtrack to a Woody Allen film, and makes me want to wear thick black rimmed glasses. Yet this time thats not a bad thing.......