Artista: Dave Brubeck Album: Young Lions & Old Tigers

Anno: 1995
Tempo: 0:0-1

Dave Brubeck’s Young Lions & Old Tigers album: A Tribute to Jazz Greats

Dave Brubeck is one of the most renowned jazz pianists and composers of the 20th century, known for his unique style of playing and fearless approach to music experimentation. During his long and illustrious career, he released many albums, but one that stands out as a tribute to jazz legends is the Young Lions & Old Tigers album. This post will provide an overview of the best songs on the album, the context in which the album was released, as well as a brief description of Dave Brubeck and the jazz genre.

Dave Brubeck was born in December 1920 in California, where he was educated in classical music before turning to jazz. He was fascinated by the sound and improvisation of jazz, and it wasn't long before he formed his own quartet, which included the likes of Paul Desmond on the saxophone. He gained widespread popularity with his groundbreaking album Time Out, which showcased his experiments with odd time signatures, and soon became a leading figure in the jazz music scene.

Young Lions & Old Tigers was released in 1995 and features some of Brubeck's most distinctive work, with each song paying tribute to a leading jazz musician. The album opens with the title track, a lively composition that honors the great Duke Ellington. The following songs honor the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Charlie Parker, and showcase Brubeck's playful and innovative interpretation of these great artists.

One of the standout tracks on the album is When You Wish Upon a Star, which features some of Brubeck's most beautiful piano playing. The song was originally composed by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for the Disney movie Pinocchio, but Brubeck's interpretation is very different from the original. He gives the song a rich, jazzy flavor, enhanced by his signature use of unusual time signatures.

Another standout track on the album is All the Things You Are, which was originally composed by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The song is a well-known jazz standard and has been covered by many artists over the years, but Brubeck's rendition is particularly special. He uses a 7/4 time signature and a complex arrangement of chords, giving the song a fresh and modern feel.

While Young Lions & Old Tigers was received favorably by both fans and critics alike, some critics felt that the album did not live up to Brubeck's previous work. Roger Rydell of AllMusic, for example, noted that the album lacked the spontaneity and energy of Brubeck's earlier recordings. Other critics felt that the album was overly nostalgic and failed to capture the energy and excitement of jazz in the modern era.

Despite some mixed reviews, Dave Brubeck's Young Lions & Old Tigers album is a fantastic tribute to some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. The album showcases Brubeck's unique style and his ability to reinterpret classic songs in new and exciting ways. While it may not be his best work, it is still well worth a listen for any fan of jazz music, or anyone interested in exploring the work of this legendary pianist and composer.