In the history of jazz, there have been a handful of iconic figures who have transcended popular music styles of their era to create a new generation of jazz devotees. The late Dave Brubeck was one of these.
Beginning in
February of 1951, shortly after the Brubeck Quartet was formed the prior
August, George Wein signed Brubeck to perform at his jazz venue called
Storyville which was located in the Copley Square Hotel in downtown
Boston. This was the beginning of a series of
broadcasts by Brubeck from Storyville over the next three years. This
release gathers all these broadcasts in a 3 CD set which is an absolute
must for Brubeck fans for a variety of reasons not the least of which is
the aural evidence of the development of the Quartet's style as
personnel changes took place over the three year span of these
recordings. The fact that Brubeck and Paul Desmond anchored the groups
lent stability and direction which evolved into the golden years of the
Quartet before Desmond's departure for a solo career. There is very
little to critique here. The playing is wonderful - the improvisations
are elegant, unique, and ultimately Brubeckian - in short, essential to
any serious jazz collection. The notes are extensive and the sound
reproduction is superb. The transfers are clean and immediate.
PAUL DESMOND, alto sax DAVE BRUBECK, piano on all tracks, plus:
CD1 [1-10]: Wyat Ruther (b), Herb Barman (d, bongos). February 5, 1952
CD1 [11-21]: Same personnel. February 6, 1952.
CD2 [1-9]: Same personnel. February 7, 1952.
CD2 [10-18]: Same personnel. February 10, 1952.
CD2 [19-21]: Lloyd Davis (d on 19-20 only). October 12, 1952.
CD2 [22]: Ron Croty (b), Lloyd Davis (d). February 1953.
CD3 [1-4]: Same personnel. February 7, 1953.
CD3 [5-6]: Ron Croty (b), Joe Dodge (d). December 1953.
CD3 [7-8]: Bob Bates (b), Joe Dodge (d). March 30, 1954.
CD3 [9-10]: Same personnel. July 22, 1954
All tracks recorded live at the Storyville Club, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bonus Tracks (CD1, 22-23):
Dave Brubeck (p), Paul Desmond (as), Bob Bates (b), Joe Dodge (d).
Live in Carmel, California, June 1955.
(Although not recorded at Storyville,these tracks have been issued on different editions along with the Fantasy Storyville sets. For this reason both have been included here as a bonus).
CD1 {70:00}
01. Lyons Busy (0:33)
02. 'S Wonderful (3:06)
03. That Old Black Magic (2:40)
04. Jeepers Creepers (3:29)
05. These Foolish Things (4:43)
06. Announcement (0:52)
07. Mam'selle (2:23)
08. Tea for Two (4:56)
09. This Can't Be Love (4:20)
10. Lyons Busy (1:47)
11. Announcement (0:52)
12. Me and My Shadow (3:10)
13. Heart and Soul (2:19)
14. Undecided (3:23)
15. Announcement (0:31)
16. All the Things You Are (5:28)
17. Singin' in the Rain (2:59)
18. Perdido (4:57)
19. Stardust (3:58)
20. Lyons Busy (1:21)
21. Announcement (1:04)
22. Crazy Chris (7:01)
23. This Can't Be Love (4:08)
CD2 {78:47}
01. Announcement (0:45)
02. Somebody Loves Me (3:33)
03. Crazy Chris (3:03)
04. Body and Soul (3:23)
05. I'll Remember April (5:02)
06. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (3:42)
07. Announcement (0:42)
08. Crazy Rhythm (4:43)
09. How High the Moon (4:04)
10. Announcement (0:52)
11. Frenesi (3:13)
12. Announcement (0:59)
13. Somebody Loves Me (4:21)
14. Announcement (0:28)
15. Heart and Soul (2:14)
16. Just One of Those Things (4:12)
17. Avalon (2:10)
18. All the Things You Are (4:27)
19. Give a Little Whistle/Oh Lady, Be Good! (6:53)
20. You Go to My Head (7:50)
21. Summer Song/Over the Rainbow (5:14)
22. Tea for Two (6:57)
CD3 {71:38}
01. Introduction by John McLellan/Love Walked In/I'll Never Smile Again (10:22)
02. The Way You Look Tonight (4:43)
03. These Foolish Things (5:01)
04. Perdido (3:49)
05. On the Alamo (10:50)
06. Don't Worry About Me (6:58)
07. Gone with the Wind (8:10)
08. Back Bay Blues (6:36)
09. Here Lies Love (5:50)
10. When You're Smiling (9:19)
