Jazz At Oberlin.

(Post by Lance)

With the passing of Dave Brubeck I've spent a lot of time listening to his music and I've come to a conclusion which goes against the general consensus of opinion.

Joe Morello was a great drummer and the Time Out album was superb but, for me, the classic album was the 1953 session - Jazz At Oberlin. Lloyd Davis was on drums (whatever became of?) whilst Dave and Paul swung their asses off. Ron Crotty on bass helped to make this album an absolute delight. 

There is a tendency to praise Morello and Desmond to the heights whilst denigrating the leader - Steve Voce did just that in today's i obituary. But listening to this LP after some years away from it, it still moves me. Great interpretations of songbook classics. If I was only allowed one Brubeck disc to that fabled Desert Island this would be it. The story on the sleeve was that Dave and Paul had had a row backstage and that they took it out on each other musically on-stage  Whether that actually happened or was just a publicity stunt I don't know but whatever, the musical sparks certainly fly.

Listen to The Way You Look Tonight on YouTube. and while you're there check out Perdido from the same concert.

Lance.
PS: Here's Dave on Jools Holland show in 2002. - John T sent this.