The You Tube website has put up a seven-minute video of the Dave Brubeck Quartet playing Brubeck’s “London Flat London Sharp” at the North Sea Jazz Festival. Sound, production qualiy, camera work and direction—except for one brief asleep-at-the-switch moment—are excellent. Bobby Militello’s alto solo is one of the most cogent I’ve heard from him. It’s interesting to watch Brubeck digging Michael Moore as he comps for Moore’s bass solo. The first half of Brubeck’s own solo is about as close to daintiness as you’re likely to hear from him, but before it’s over, he unleashes both hands on the piece’s substantial harmonies. To see and hear it, go here. The same page of the site has two video performances of “Take Five” by the classic Brubeck quartet with Paul Desmond, Gene Wright and Joe Morello and one by the current group.
Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...
