The Concord, California native began piano studies at age four but was always more interested in composing than following the classical canon. At the University of the Pacific, he intended to study veterinary medicine but ultimately switched to music and played in local jazz clubs. In the Army, he first met his future collaborator, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Enrolling at Mills College after his discharge, Brubeck studied polytonality and polyrhythms with composer Darius Milhaud, an influence heard in his many compositions featuring odd time signatures. Brubkec organized his first Dave Brubeck Trio in the early 1950s, officially becoming a quartet with Desmond on sax. Brubeck and the quartet released their first album, Jazz at Oberlin, in 1953, which was one of the first jazz recordings from a live concert. Jazz Goes to College soon followed, selling 100,000 copies and leading Time Magazine to make Brubeck the first jazz musician since Louis Armstrong to be featured on its cover. Through the late 50s and on, Brubeck’s compositions reflected his famed experiments with time signatures, most famously with the release of Time Out in 1959. The album includes Desmond’s “Take Five,” which became Brubeck’s signature tune, as well as the pianist’s most popular composition, “Blue Rhondo a la Turk,” an experiment in 9/8 time based on Mozart's "Rondo alla Turca." 

Brubeck’s “classic” quartet performed and toured internationally through much of the 60s and released a series of famed recordings on Columbia. He subsequently performed with Gerry Mulligan and in quartet with his three sons before forming his current touring quartet. Dave Brubeck’s still-growing list of honors includes election to the Down Beat Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, National Medal of the Arts, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), NEA Jazz Master (2000), the 2007 BBC Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival. With wife (and composer) Iola, Dave was honored in 2000 with the creation of The Brubeck Institute in recognition of their dedication to music, education and the advancement of important social issues. Still composing and recording, Dave Brubeck’s most recent release is the 2007 solo outing, Indian Summer (Telarc).

At 89, Dave Brubeck has a somewhat frail appearance and slowed gait. But as soon as he sits at the piano, a few decades fall away. Apparently there is no “time out” for Dave Brubeck as he continues to tour, defying time in more ways than one! Don’t miss one of the living legends of jazz in the intimate surroundings of the Dakota Jazz Club.  

The Dave Brubeck Quartet perform one set at 7 pm on November 2nd, and two sets each night at 7 and 9:30 pm on November 3-4. Check for availability at www.dakotacooks.com or call 612-332-1010.