Music Review: Dave Brubeck Quartet

Details: Parent Category: Film and the Arts; Category: Reviews; Published on Friday, 22 April 2011 05:00; Written by Jack Angstreich

Two weeks after the inimitable Michel Legrand strolled into town to deliver a fabulous set at ja-DBrubeck The Blue Note, where he paid tribute to jazz legend Dave Brubeck, the master himself appeared with the other members of his excellent quartet to give a terrific concert at the 92nd Street Y.

Looking great with his beautiful, shiny white hair, Brubeck opened with a splendid version of Arthur Johnston's lovely standard, "Pennies from Heaven".

After an original blues number, the first half reached its apotheosis with a sublime account of Frank Churchill's "Some Day My Prince Will Come" from Walt Disney's Snow White. Brubeck began with a haunting piano introduction that recalled Sergei Rachmaninov and the number concluded with a gorgeous duet between the pianist and his abundantly talented alto saxophonist -- and flautist! -- Bobby Militello.

After one further piece, the first half closed thrillingly with "Stormy Weather" by one of the greatest composers of American popular songs, Harold Arlen; here it featured another exquisite solo piano introduction.

The second half of the program moved from strength to strength, opening with "I Want to Be Happy" by another outstanding composer, Vincent Youmans, from his popular 1920s musical, No, No, Nanette. Brubeck commented that he had played the song 55 years before for the album, Jazz at Oberlin.

Another highlight was Brubeck's original composition, "All My Love", which he wrote over a dozen years ago for his wife in celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary. Here, too, it began with another sublime solo piano introduction which led into a extraordinary, lyrical alto saxophone solo.

It was another original composition -- the melodious signature number, "Take Five" -- which concluded the program on a dazzling, exultant note.