Time Out

Dave Brubeck Quartet's Time Out (1959) built its reputation on complex time signatures that somehow feel natural and swinging. Paul Desmond's cool alto sax floats over Brubeck's angular piano while the rhythm section locks into odd meters like 9/8 and 5/4 with remarkable ease.

Standout Tracks

• Take Five: The 5/4 waltz that made odd time signatures accessible, driven by Joe Morello's iconic drum solo
• Blue Rondo A La Turk: Opens with a 9/8 Turkish folk melody before shifting into swinging 4/4
• Three To Get Ready: Alternates between 3/4 and 4/4 time with playful ease

Mood: sophisticated, late night, contemplative, cerebral

Tracklist

1. A1. Blue Rondo A La Turk (6:46)
2. A2. Strange Meadow Lark (7:24)
3. A3. Take Five (5:26)
4. B1. Three To Get Ready (5:25)
5. B2. Kathy's Waltz (4:50)
6. B3. Everybody's Jumpin' (4:24)
7. B4. Pick Up Sticks (4:16)