Dave Brubeck Quartet—Park Avenue South

(Telarc CD-83570)

Dave Brubeck, a Jazz pianist treasure at age 82, has reached out to the modern world in the most unique fashion. If the people won't come to Jazz, then, darn it, bring Jazz directly to the people. In that spirit, Brubeck and his quartet performed live for this CD at a Park Avenue Starbucks Coffee outlet! Telarc brought along their traveling "Direct Stream Digital" recording system and captured every note in its robust, full-bodied, mellow-roasted context. The result is Park Avenue South, an incredible radio friendly release. Burbeck's dulcet Steinway tones are lush and sophisticated, right from the opening standard, "On the Sunny Side of the Street." What makes Brubeck's music so special is his popularization of unique time signatures like, yes, the famous "Take Five," of which a brand new version is featured on Park Avenue South. Buffalo saxophonist Bobby Militello is a juggernaut on alto sax and flute. On the rousing "I Love Vienna," we get a bouncy 3/4 (or perhaps a 6/8 because of its whirlwind, up tempo feel) as Militello conjures up the spirit of Paul Desmond in the opening minutes, only to free blow the rest of the way as the tune gathers steam. Brubeck and company braved a difficult live gig. The celebrated pianist was literally stuck next to the storefront window in the middle of downtown Manhattan. Imagine the concentration powers he had to summon with gawking New Yorkers eyeballing him from outside on the busy sidewalk. But the sounds are truly magical and listeners will adore each crisp performance.