Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time

Written by:
Philip Clark
Narrated by:
Fleet Cooper

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
1
Narrator
1
Release Date
February 2020
Duration
15 hours 37 minutes
Summary
THE DEFINITIVE, INVESTIGATIVE BIOGRAPHY OFJAZZ LEGENDDAVE BRUBECK('TAKE FIVE') In 2003, music journalist Philip Clark was granted unparalleled access to jazz legend Dave Brubeck. Over the course of ten days, he shadowed the Dave Brubeck Quartet during their extended British tour, recording an epic interview with the bandleader. Brubeck opened up as never before, disclosing his unique approach to jazz; the heady days of his 'classic' quartet in the 1950s-60s; hanging out with Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis; and the many controversies that had dogged his 66-yearlong career. Alongside beloved figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, Brubeck has achieved name recognition beyond jazz. But finding a convincing fit for Brubeck's legacy, one that reconciles his mass popularity with his advanced musical technique, has proved largely elusive. In Dave Brubeck: A Life inTime, Clark provides us with a thoughtful, thorough, and long-overdue biography of an extraordinary man whose influence continues to inform and inspire musicians today. Structured around Clark's extended interview and intensive new research, this book recounts one of the last untold stories of jazz, unearthing the secret history of 'Take Five' and many hitherto unknown aspects of Brubeck's early career-and sharing details about his creative relationship with his star saxophonist, Paul Desmond. Woven throughout are cameo appearances from a host of unlikely figures, from Sting, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, and Keith Emerson to John Cage, Leonard Bernstein, Harry Partch, and Edgard Varèse. Each chapter explores a different theme or aspect of Brubeck's life and music, illuminating the core of his artistry and genius. To quote President Obama, as he awarded the musician with a Kennedy Center Honor: 'You can't understand America without understanding jazz, and you can't understand jazz without understanding Dave Brubeck.'
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Thomas C.

I gave this audiobook a three rating. Very worthwhile reading. Enjoyed it very much. So much so I bought Time Out (extended version) and another Brubeck album. I also have been playing Dave Brubeck Quartet Radio on Pandora. Wow! All because of this book. The book is very technical and only one already versed in Jazz and/or Dave Brubeck would give it a four or five. The reader is excellenté. . . I got the book from the library and read along with the audiobook. That is very worthwhile.

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$31.99
View Cart