Congratulations to Dave Brubeck, perhaps the greatest living jazz musician and pianist, who is 90 years old to-day. I've already heard a recording of a 1950s concert by his Quartet and I intend to enjoy listening to more of his music-making later today. I also intend playing some of his music.
An excellent BBC Four programme last Friday evening was transmitted to mark Brubeck's artistic achievements in the jazz world. The programme included rare interviews with Dave Brubeck and significant contributions from leading figures in jazz, classical music and the film world. Unlike many such documentaries, the programme contained a substantial amount of music and was fascinating both in its information and enjoyment.
Any other Brubeck enthusiasts around ? And any who saw the programme? It would be interesting to hear comments.

I did see the Jazz 625 repeat on BBC Four last week : which was excellent. Will deal with last Friday's programme via iPlayer. Jazz 625 is on iPlayer 'til tomorrow : click

Thanks for that, barry-clari, as I missed Jazz 625 and I'm listening/viewing now.
Bws.
rk

Great. Thanks for the link

Im not a big jazz fan, but Brubreck is brilliant . My daughter was at Southampton Uni , when it was his 75th birthday, and the Uni had a jazz choir. He visited the Uni at that time - he was friendly with the Prof. (only doing a concert there and one in Reading), and they performed with him.

Katytay and I will vouch for the fact that he's written some gorgeous songs

What a wonderful programme. Even Mr woo, who claims to be a passionate jazz hater, really enjoyed it.

I so enjoyed these programs on BBC 4. Brubeck is a really amazing musician. It was really interesting to see his wife of over 65 years always at his side, and the incredible talent of his four musician sons. But my daughter did comment that he also has TWO daughters who appear to have disappeared in the credits on his life

Along with Sonny Rollins (at 80), I consider Brubeck and Rollins to be living Legends.

I was informed about this programme by my piano teacher. As I don't have BBC4 (yet!), I had to watch it on the iPlayer last night. Shame they didn't play the exam piece I'm doing for grade 8, but still a very interesting and enjoyable programme nevertheless

Car Expert

Top Bloke worthy of Jazz Cat Status

Jazz-Bag x

Correction..husband, who knows all, said Brubeck only has one daughter, Catherine Brubeck. I wonder, does she play an instrument?

Dave Brubeck has six children so, as four are musician sons, there are either two daughters or another ( non-musician) son. On the BBC Four programme last week there was a shot of the Brubeck family when the children were young, and I am almost certain I noticed four sons and two daughters, but I could be wrong. Perhaps someone can confirm.

I believe Dave Brubeck has six children consisting of five sons and one daughter. Darius (piano), Chris (bass & trombone), Dan (drums & percussion) and Matthew (cello) are musicians. The other son is called Michael and the daughter is Catherine (whose surname is now Yaghsizian).

Quote from Catherine:Car Expert

I have been a Brubeck fan since Take Five was first released and was completely taken by surprise at how marvellous jazz sounds in time signatures of other than 4/4. I could not afford the two Time Out LPs when they were released, but have since purchased the double CD - which needs to come out of the CD case sooner rather than later, now! I also had a book of the piano music for Time Out (lost in one of my moves) which even had most of his improvisations carefully written out - I personally couldn't play much of it, though, just the melodic bits.

I watched fascinated by the BBC programme and marvelled at how musically articulate he is, and how even today he is technically very accomplished. I was also somehow rather touched by his beautiful rendition of the love song he wrote for his wife, and how he ended by saying " I nearly remembered all of it correctly" or words to that effect! The programme was in my opinion very well made, using lots of archive material, and brought back many happy memories of my own younger days.

Dave Brubeck is a great guy and long may he continue to perform in public the way he does.

Thanks for that information, Car Expert, and for clearing up my misunderstanding.
Bws.

rk.