Sad day in the music world! Jazz legend Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5th just one day shy of his 92nd birthday.
A pianist and composer, Brubeck was known for writing in odd meters. Two of his most famous compositions are, “Take Five,” and “Blue Rondo A La Turk.”
One of the first jazz tunes I ever performed was the aforementioned “Blue Rondo A La Turk.” It is a piece penned in an odd 9/8 meter; 2+2+2+3 alternating with measures of a compound 9/8 meter 3+3+3. The rhythmic drive of Brubeck’s music was rare in jazz, but, easy for listeners to feel and relate to the strong beat.
For a young musician like myself who grew up influenced by Heavy Metal and Hard Rock genres the composer’s music was a natural fit. Any fan of the Progressive Rock band Rush would be familiar with the odd meters Brubeck employed.
Godspeed to Dave Brubeck, Rest in Peace and thank you for all the music!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 
I meant to answer this post, but got involved with so many other things that I have going on. Dave Brubeck was my mentor into Jazz. I remember hearing take 5 in high school and since then has been a top favorite. When I first heard this piece, I went into a being in love with Jazz. In fact, when I worked for Ch. 24, Community Video Center, Public Access Cable Television; we had a Public Service program for five minutes which gave anyone (w/FCC rules) to give information on future non profit organizations to give the information. There was a pole in the middle of the foray so I got permission to paint ‘TAKE 5’ with the letters going downwards. It was all because of the song that the idea came to me. Of course the pole was painted white, so you must know or guess that I painted black….so jazzy colors.
Great song…I have a trio gig tomorrow night we might try and throw that one in the set….Cool Jazz