Take Five

Definition

Take Five is a jazz composition written by Paul Desmond and famously performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. This piece is notable for its unusual 5/4 time signature, which sets it apart from the more common 4/4 time found in many jazz standards. The song embodies the essence of West Coast jazz, characterized by its cool, relaxed style and complex rhythms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Take Five was released in 1959 on the album 'Time Out,' which was groundbreaking for its experimentation with unusual time signatures.
2. The song features a catchy saxophone melody played by Paul Desmond, making it one of the most recognizable pieces in jazz history.
3. Dave Brubeck's quartet was pivotal in introducing West Coast jazz to a broader audience, blending classical music elements with jazz improvisation.
4. The success of Take Five helped elevate instrumental jazz to mainstream popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
5. The piece has been covered by many artists across various genres, showcasing its lasting influence on music beyond just jazz.

Review Questions

• How does Take Five exemplify the characteristics of West Coast jazz through its composition?
  • Take Five exemplifies West Coast jazz through its cool and laid-back vibe combined with an innovative structure. Its unique 5/4 time signature deviates from traditional jazz forms, showcasing the experimental spirit of the genre. The relaxed tempo and melodic interplay between instruments reflect the smooth sound typical of West Coast jazz, making it a hallmark example of this musical movement.
• Discuss the impact of Dave Brubeck and his quartet on the popularity of Take Five and West Coast jazz as a whole.
  • Dave Brubeck and his quartet significantly impacted the popularity of Take Five and West Coast jazz by bridging the gap between jazz and mainstream music. Their ability to blend complex rhythms with accessible melodies attracted a wider audience, allowing listeners unfamiliar with jazz to appreciate its artistry. By incorporating innovative time signatures like that of Take Five, they pushed the boundaries of jazz while maintaining its improvisational roots, leading to increased interest in the genre during the late 1950s.
• Evaluate the legacy of Take Five within the context of music history and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
  • The legacy of Take Five within music history is profound, as it not only defined an era of jazz but also influenced various genres beyond jazz itself. Its innovative use of time signatures has inspired countless musicians to experiment with rhythm in their compositions. The piece's popularity paved the way for more adventurous musical explorations across styles, encouraging future artists to blend genres and break traditional boundaries, ensuring that Take Five remains a timeless classic in contemporary music.

Related terms

Cool Jazz: A style of jazz that emerged in the late 1940s, characterized by a laid-back approach, smoother melodies, and a focus on arrangement and orchestration.

Dave Brubeck: An influential American jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative use of time signatures and his role in popularizing West Coast jazz.

Time Signature: A notational convention that specifies how many beats are in each measure of music and what note value is equivalent to one beat.