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As we celebrate Dave Brubeck's centennial, we have an opportunity to pause and reflect on a legendary artist's accomplishments. We hope you spend time with the beautiful recordings that we have selected, and in doing so, we hope you come away with a renewed sense of wonder at Brubeck's musical genius.
He was indeed a trailblazing composer whose experiments with the Dave Brubeck Quartet proved highly influential, most notably in encouraging jazz to expand beyond the traditions of 4/4 time. While Brubeck's own piano technique is often ignored or even maligned by critics, take a close listen to his beautiful playing and contemplate how many pianists today owe a debt to his style.
As you listen to the Dave Brubeck Quartet, remember also that this ensemble's iconic line-up from 1958-1967 (Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Eugene Wright, and Joe Morello) was an integrated band when much of America was still legally segregated. Brubeck's decision to integrate the band and his subsequent willingness both to withstand abuse and refuse engagements with segregated presenters speaks to a deep moral conviction and strength.
Lastly, Brubeck's musical innovations did not end with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Decades of writing and playing would follow, including some extraordinary large-scale classical works that are profoundly breathtaking.
We hope you dive into this music with fresh ears and excitement. Amid the darkness and despair of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, celebrating the music of Dave Brubeck gives us hope and provides us with a reminder of what we can be at our very best.
PC: Dave Brubeck, courtesy of the artist
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Our education programs have gone online! Find out how you can join for free and learn more about jazz from our experts and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
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We celebrate the history of South African jazz with these essential records.
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