The Dave Brubeck Quartet (With Bill Smith) – Near Myth 1961

The Dave Brubeck Quartet (With Bill Smith) – Near Myth 1961
1995 Issue.OJCCD-236-2

JAzz

This is the third and final guest appearance by clarinetist Bill Smith in the place of Paul Desmond with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Like the earlier record dates, this 1961 session focuses exclusively on Smith's compositions, resulting in a very different sound for the band than its normal mix of the leader's songs and standards. Smith was a member of Brubeck's adventurous octet of the late '40s and, like the pianist, also studied with French composer Darius Milhaud. So the clarinetist is willing to take chances, utilizing a mute on his instrument in "Pan's Pipes," and having drummer Joe Morello use his timpani sticks on the piano strings in the swinging "The Unihorn." Smith proves himself very much in Desmond's league with his witty solos and equally amusing, pun-filled liner notes. While none of these songs became a regular part of Brubeck's repertoire, even after Smith replaced tenorist Jerry Bergonzi as a member of the quartet in 1982, this is easily the best of the three albums that he made with Dave Brubeck during the late '50s and early '60s.
By Ken Dryden. AMG.
**
I think this CD is yet another display of how great a musician Dave Brubeck, and every musician he works with, is. I have always enjoyed the Quartet, but have never found anything on the Octet. This, just shows me how awesome Dave Brubeck can be.The solos are phenomenal. From the alto sax solos, which go beyond anything I could ever imagine, to the clarinet solos which range from octive to octive so effortlessly, the whole CD is a magnifiscent work of art.
**
Dave Brubeck (Piano)
Bill Smith (Clarnet)
Eugene Wright (bass)
Joe Morello (Drums)
**
01. The Unihorn5:13
02. Bach an’ All 3:49
03. Siren Song 5:41
04. Pan’s Pipes 4:10
05. By Jupiter 3:54
06. Baggin’ the Dragon 6:46
07. Apollo’s Axe 3:22
08. The Sailor and the Mermaid 4:13
09. Nep-Tune 2:51
10. Pan Dance 3:43
**

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