Artist: Dave Brubeck Album: Quiet as the Moon

Year: 1991
Duration: 0:0-1

Quiet as the Moon - A Critical Review of Dave Brubeck's Album

Dave Brubeck, the iconic American jazz pianist and composer, has been leaving his impression on the music industry for over 50 years. Among his many outstanding works lies the renowned album 'Quiet as the Moon.' The album showcases the quintessential Dave Brubeck magic, and is a distinct representation of the Jazz genre. In this post, we will review the album in-depth, along with a brief history of Brubeck and a critical evaluation of the album.

Dave Brubeck was born in Concord, California, in 1920, and had a prolific career in the music world. His style was unique, combining intricacy and simplicity, and he did his best work with his legendary quartet consisting of Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Brubeck incorporated a range of musical styles, such as classical and pop, into his jazz, which made him stand out from the rest.

'Quiet as the Moon' was released in 1987, representing Brubeck's unique style. It is a collection of compositions Brubeck made between 1962 and 1985, solo works, combo pieces, and full orchestra arrangements. The album is compiled of songs that mainly focus on ballad, some of which featuring Brubeck's trademark impelling melodies and harmonies that have made him famous.

The album has several excellent songs, including the title track 'Quiet as the Moon', which displays Brubeck's impeccable usage of harmony and celebrates his experience. Another fantastic song is 'When I Was Young', a tribute to Brubeck's wife who passed away in 2018. The track starts with a slow piano progression and builds to a moving string finale that evokes deep emotions in its listeners. 'Koto Song' is another impressive work that entices its audience with its alluring melody.

Brubeck's unique quality lies in his ability to incorporate various styles into his music, which was apparent on this album as well. One of the most innovative parts of 'Quiet as the Moon' was the introduction of Japanese musical traditions, with its infusions of the Koto and Shakuhachi. He managed to blend these cultural backgrounds beautifully into his music, as seen in 'Koto Song'.

Our Critic:

While the album was a fantastic display of Brubeck's style and unique talent, some songs on the album failed to gauge our attention. The inclusion of experimental sounds on some tracks was not consistent with the overall tone of the album, breaking the album's consistency and taking away from the album's overall message.

In conclusion, 'Quiet as the Moon' is an album that is a worthy representation of Dave Brubeck's legacy. The album significantly emphasized the impact that Brubeck had on the jazz genre and his ability to incorporate unique styles into his music. While some songs may not have hit the mark, the majority of the songs were a tribute to Brubeck's impeccable creativity and legacy, leaving a lasting impression in the jazz industry.