This is the first of two live recordings that Brubeck released in the mid-90's. Like the second release, Nightshift, this CD chronicles a six day set at New York's legendary Blue Note in october, 1993.
In many ways, this CD is superior to its sequeal, not the least of them being the fact that it is quieter, more contemplative, and perfectly captures that 2-in-the-morning mood it seeks to project. In fact, in some places such as the haunting "Koto's Song" or "So Wistully Sad", its so quiet you'll have to turn the volume up just capture the full impact of the piece.
The opening number on the CD, "These Foolish Things", is, as the liner notes say, absolutely masterful and my personal favorite. As the piece begins, Brubeck takes the audience through a winding, extraordinary series of abstractions that must have left them wondering, at least for awhile, what song the group was actually playing. When Brubeck finally gets to the opening melody, in a way that makes everything that came before seem entirely logical, you can hear applause and gasps of recognition from the crowd.
If you're looking for something to put on the stereo for those late nights, when the lights are low, you couldn't do any better than this. In the process, you'll be privileged to hear one of the best musicians America has produced.
Personnel: Dave Brubeck - piano; Bobby Militello - alto s., tenor s., flute; Randy Jones - drums; Jack Six - bass.
Late Night Brubeck: Live from the Blue Note
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K
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