A Dave Brubeck Christmas (1996)

New to me this year. Just Brubeck, a piano, and (mostly) familiar tunes. A little bit of something for everybody: some stride piano, some cocktail piano, some New Age, some lullaby, some jazz with wild chord substitutions, etc. Brubeck somehow manages to make old tunes new again without sacrificing melody or mood. Relaxing, restorative, recommended.

Liner notes written by Brubeck himself.

Ratings:

• The Penguin Guide to Jazz (5th ed., 2000): ★★★
• The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Jazz: #3

Tracks: 14 of 'em in 56 minutes and don't skip a one.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Dave Brubeck's Greatest Hits (1966)

Dave Brubeck's Greatest Hits (1966)

Note: the CD I listened to was the 1997 CD reissue.

When Dave Brubeck died in December of last year, it occurred to me that I didn't own any of his records. That's embarrassing to admit. I rectified my oversight later that month with the purchase of this greatest hits package. It was either this compilation or the legendary Time Out album. Brubeck wasn't just a great jazz pianist, he was a great musician in every sense of the word. He will be missed, but his music will be around for a long while. Recordings here span the years 1956-64. This CD reissue includes the wonderful original liner notes.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #104
• Billboard Jazz: #20

Tracks: Dude could swing, but my favorite pieces are his odd meter stuff. If I had to choose a top track, I'd go with Unsquare Dance (in 7), followed by Take Five (in 5). Unsquare Dance may get some new attention because of its inclusion in the award-winning movie, Silver Linings Playbook. Even the tunes you've never heard before seem immediately familiar. Now that's good music. Don't skip any of these tracks.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. What took me so long to buy this sweet stuff? I should have paid closer attention to Brubeck when I was in college.