You’ve heard “Take Five”, whether you know it or not. One the most famous melodies in all of jazz, it has been used to sell cars, appeared on movie soundtracks, and has been covered more times than one can count. All of this still doesn’t stop Dave Brubeck (pictured right), who did not write the tune (that accolade goes to altoist Paul Desmond), from using it to close every one of his performances. One would think that by now, the 87 year-old pianist and his band are tired of playing it, but if they are, it doesn’t show. The group’s performance of “Take Five” and the standing ovation that followed were among many highlights of last night’s concert, which found Brubeck & Co. teaming up with another elder statesman of jazz, pianist Ramsey Lewis (pictured below). While there was nothing groundbreaking going on during either one of the sets, just seeing these pianists do their thing was a memorable experience, if only because they are examples of the best jazz has to offer in terms of integrity and longevity.
The two players have very different approaches to playing jazz. In the 1950s and 60s, Brubeck was at the forefront of the cool jazz movement, characterized by its hummable melodies, laid back rhythms, and easy going quality. A typical Brubeck composition is built on a perfect marriage between melody and harmony, without any interference of frenetic rhythms. As a result, his playing is still effective despite his age and frail appearance. Brubeck’s style has always been based more on well-structured soloing and accompaniment rather than technical pyrotechnics.
The 72 year-old Lewis, on the other hand, cut his teeth playing in the family church. So although he is well versed in variety of styles, there is a strong gospel influence to his playing. Because his soul is so rooted in traditional African American culture, his music often has a strong sense of groove and danceability to it as well. Lewis often employs soul and funk grooves to give his music accessibility, while still preserving a harmonic and improvisational approach that is characteristic of traditional jazz.
