Artist: Dave Brubeck Album: Plays and Plays and Plays

Year: 1992
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dave Brubeck's Plays and Plays and Plays

Dave Brubeck was one of the most iconic jazz musicians of the 20th century. With a career spanning six decades, Brubeck's innovative and experimental approach to jazz music has influenced countless musicians and inspired generations of fans. Plays and Plays and Plays was one of Brubeck's last albums, released in 1984, and it showcases his unique style and approach to jazz. In this blog post, we'll take a critical look at the album, exploring its history, the genre of jazz it represents, the standout tracks, and the most innovative parts of the record.

The album Plays and Plays and Plays is a collection of previously unreleased tracks recorded by Dave Brubeck and his quartet throughout the 60s and 70s. The album spans a range of jazz styles, from the bebop-inspired Bossa Nova U.S.A. to the bluesy Someday My Prince Will Come. The album is a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, showcasing Brubeck's ability to seamlessly integrate different jazz styles.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Koto Song, which features Brubeck on piano and Paul Desmond on alto saxophone. The song opens with a haunting melody on the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, before Brubeck and Desmond come in with their solos. The song's unique instrumentation and blend of jazz and Eastern influences make it a standout on the album.

Another standout track on the album is Take Five, one of Brubeck's most famous compositions. The song is a classic example of Brubeck's signature 5/4 time signature, which gives it a distinctive and memorable groove. The song's melody is catchy and memorable, and it's easy to see why it became such a classic in the world of jazz.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the presence of the koto on Koto Song. Brubeck was known for his experimentation with different musical styles and instruments, and the inclusion of the koto on the track is just one example of his willingness to push the boundaries of jazz music. Additionally, Brubeck's use of unconventional time signatures, like the 5/4 rhythm on Take Five, was groundbreaking at the time and helped to establish him as one of the most innovative jazz musicians of his generation.

Of course, no album is perfect, and Plays and Plays and Plays is no exception. While the album showcases Brubeck's unique style and approach to jazz, some of the tracks can feel a bit disjointed or unfocused. The inclusion of previously unreleased tracks recorded over the course of several decades means that the album lacks a cohesive theme or narrative. In some ways, the album feels like a sampler of Brubeck's work rather than a coherent album in its own right.

Overall, Plays and Plays and Plays is a must-listen for fans of Dave Brubeck and jazz music in general. The album showcases Brubeck's unique style and approach to jazz, with standout tracks like Koto Song and Take Five that have become timeless classics. While the album may lack a cohesive theme or narrative, its diversity and range of jazz styles make it a fascinating and enjoyable listen. Brubeck's willingness to experiment with different styles and instruments, as well as his use of unconventional time signatures, cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of his time.

Overall, Plays and Plays and Plays is a must-listen for fans of Dave Brubeck and jazz music in general. The album showcases Brubeck's unique style and approach to jazz, with standout tracks like Koto Song and Take Five that have become timeless classics. While the album may lack a cohesive theme or narrative, its diversity and range of jazz styles make it a fascinating and enjoyable listen. Brubeck's willingness to experiment with different styles and instruments, as well as his use of unconventional time signatures, cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of his time.