Jazz: Red Hot And Cool

AMAZON
The Dave Brubeck Quartet with Bob Bates and Joe Dodge heard on the 1955 Jazz, Red Hot and Cool were perhaps less dynamic and ambitious than the subsequent line-up featuring Eugene Wright and Joe Morello; on the other hand, the group were even more fiercely committed to improvisation. The arrangements on all nine tracks could hardly be simpler--theme statement then extempore all the way--and it is exhilarating to follow the informal but inspired enterprise of both the leader and altoist Paul Desmond. Brubeck's own "The Duke" is a minor masterpiece, less than three minutes long but full of matter. In the main, though, standards predominate, of which "Lover", "Indiana" and "Little Girl Blue" are outstanding for their lissom invention and relaxed groove. There are still people who adamantly deny Brubeck's ability to swing, which is just bewildering. Maybe they should go in search of some new ears; better-equipped listeners will find this pulsating, literate hour (including two previously unissued tracks) a constant and varied delight. --Richard Palmer