 | Take FiveDave Brubeck Quartet |
Writer(s): Paul Desmond Recorded: July 1, 1959 Released: September 21, 1959 First Charted: July 14, 1961 Peak: 25 BB, 23 CB, 16 GR, 31 HR, 5 AC, 6 UK (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 1.0 radio, 182.75 video, 276.49 streaming |
Awards:Click on award for more details. 
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About the Song:Jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck formed one of the first racially diverse bands while serving in the US Army. He formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951 with shifting personnel over the years. The most successful lineup (1958-68) included saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright, and drummer Joe Morello. “Their clean-cut cool jazz was a little cerebral and a little bit physical.” TC When recording their 1959 album Time Out, Brubeck asked the group to experiment by moving away from 4/4 time signatures, much to the chagrin of Columbia, the group’s label. They were also opposed to the group’s intent to record an album entirely of originals, eschewing the usual approach of tackling standards. They thought it wouldn’t sell, but they were wrong – the album reached #2 and sold two million copies, the best-seller of Brubeck’s career. The album featured “Take Five,” written in 5/4 time. It was written by Desmond, who was known “as one of the most sophisticated and literate – and most enigmatic – of jazzmen.” SS The song grew out of a rehearsal riff “and has come to represent modern jazz at its’ coolest.’” SS It got its name from the meter and the phrase “take five,” meaning “take a break for five minutes.” WK The song was released in 1959 but went nowhere. Two years later, it was rereleased and became “the biggest-selling jazz single of all time.” WK While “Brubeck is sometimes disdained by jazz purists – mainly because he enjoyed this crossover pop success – the pianist has become one of the genre’s most productive artists.” TB Resources:
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First posted 5/12/2025. |
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