Dave Brubeck - Jazz Impressions of New York

This was my FIRST !

I was perhaps 13 years old when I bought this album--Brubeck my intro to jazz. His jazz impressions of New York became mine, and when I visited NYC several times in my youth, I saw it through his music.

In the last four years I have been fortunate to see him in concert twice: NYC, Carnegie Hall just to see him. As a 'grownup' my first impressions of his music walked with me every step of the way. ...and today! He, the quartet played in my small town to cap off our town's college Bach Festival.

Such an intimate venue, a performance that surpassed the one at Carnegie Hall by leaps and bounds. Mr. Brubeck is now slow to walk, slow to speak, however, his fingers know no age...have no sense of time other than that in music. His fingers glide over the keyboard without effort and the most beautiful sounds DO play!

He is a man of insurpassable talent, incredible wit and kindness. I met him today! As I stood in line, waiting, pinching myself, telling myself to not bumble and fumble, I thought this is the man who introduced me to the world of jazz, a world that just keeps growing.

You'll not get a bad review from me on any of his music. He is a integral part of what I love in life! Nothing but a fan here and with the utmost respect for his lengthy, varied contribution to music.

So giddy with delight on this day...this day that just got better and better...still pinching! :))))) !!!

April 22, 2007

Nothing not to like about this one...

I'm a jazz fan, but no expert. I'm a music fan, but no musician. I am a New York City fan, but since these 11 original songs were composed for a television series in the 1960's which did not last long, and none have lyrics, I can't say that any of the tunes remind me of any specific NYC sights. All I can say is that it is one of the best of the 10 or 12 Brubeck CD's in my collection. This is Brubeck's classic quartet at the height of its powers, and for 44 minutes I was delighted by all the players. Dave's career has gone on now for about 60 years, and while the classic quartet is extinct, Brubeck is still producing good recordings. But this one is nearly equal to "Time Out" and "Time Further Out" and "The Great Concerts". If you like Brubeck, or jazz piano in general, or Paul Desmond's sax playing, don't miss this one. It is a "below the radar" gem. December 5, 2006

Not Bad!!!!!!!!!!

After analyzing and listening to this album, I've come to the conclusion that it's not that bad. The album starts off with the killer track, Theme from Mr Broadway, (In my oppinion the best song ever recorded. even better than take five) than floats into an easy bossa nova, in which Joe Morello plays a very complicated brush pattern, even me, a professional drummer who memorized the drum solo on take five couldn't even figure out. There are definitlely some clinkers in this album, or else I would have given it five stars. By the end of the album, the piano sound of Brubecks block chords start grading on your nerves, but it's all good! The last song, Upstage Rhumba is alittle misleading because it is not very fast or up beat at all, with no melody, but a constant drum beat, and claves by Teo Marceo, but overall the song and the album in its entirety aren't that bad. March 27, 2004

Mr. Brubeck's Tribute to New York

This has to be one of the highpoints of the Brubeck Quartet's career. It sounds as fresh today, as it did forty years ago. This is a musical love letter to a great city. Of course, Dave's playing really shines, but Paul Desmond has many fine moments as well.

I don't see the point in singling out any particular track, since this disc should be savoured in its entirety. Over the years, the City of New York has inspired so many artists--here is yet another fine example--and a triumph for Dave and his quartet !

Highly recommended ! October 1, 2003

Brubeck at his BEST

I first heard this album in college in 1966. I instantly fell in love with the quartet and their music. Of course, I went out and bought the platter. And while I've heard much of Dave's music since, this recording is still my favorite. I've been humming the songs from Jazz Impressions of New York for 35 years, and I've never grown tired of them. Dave's piano is understated, allowing Paul's sax to really shine, while the bass and drums fill out the sound exquisitely. The music is crisp, and after 37 years, it's still current. It really captures the many moods and faces of New York. I plan to hold onto this album and remember the New York that was, and still is. By the way, after thinking about it for a long time, I broke down and bought the CD last month. It's great. But I still have the vinyl version. December 14, 2001

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