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Rifftides

Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...

Brubeck Trio: Two “Indianas” Explained

Drummer, Rifftides reader and close listener Tarik Townsend expands here on his analysis of two 1949 Dave Brubeck Trio takes of “Indiana.” The discussion grew out of comments about differences between saxophonist Paul Desmond’s Brubeck Quartet solos on the later “The Way You Look Tonight” from the quartet’s Oberlin concert. Mr. Townsend explains

While the times, remarkably, are nearly the same, the two versions I posted are indeed two completely different takes of ‘Indiana’, recorded by Fantasy and their subsidiary label Cor0net. If you listen to the beginnings of both takes, you will notice a subtle difference. The recording in the first link begins with Dave modulating down as he states the opening bars, while the second link finds Dave modulating up as he states the opening bars. Again, it’s a subtle difference, but once the drums and bass come in, Brubeck’s ensuing solos are pretty different on the two takes. The trio sounds more energized and upbeat on the second link (and what I assume is the second take).

 

With that settled (I hope), we can move on to jazz and other matters that have developed later than the 1940s and ‘50s. Your suggestions are always welcome. Thanks to Mr. Townsend for his hard work  on this.

For the Desmond solo and quotes discussion, go here.

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Doug Ramsey

Doug is a recipient of the lifetime achievement award of the Jazz Journalists Association. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he settled following a career in print and broadcast journalism in cities including New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Antonio, … [MORE]

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