Dave Brubeck Quotes

A collection of quotes by Dave Brubeck.

Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of the 20th century. Born on December 6, 1920, in Concord, California, Brubeck showed an early talent for music. He began studying piano at a young age and went on to study composition at the College of the Pacific in Stockton.

In the 1950s and 60s, Brubeck gained international fame through his experimental approach to jazz, incorporating complex rhythms and unconventional time signatures. His quartet, featuring saxophonist Paul Desmond, became popular for their distinctive sound, which blended classical and jazz elements.

Brubeck's most renowned composition, "Take Five," released in 1959, became an iconic jazz standard enjoyed by audiences worldwide. The song's distinctive 5/4 time signature showcased Brubeck's innovative approach to rhythm and became an instant classic.

Throughout his career, Brubeck pushed the boundaries of jazz, collaborating with orchestras and exploring different musical genres. He composed numerous jazz pieces, orchestral works, and even composed for ballet and film.

Although the jazz world was initially skeptical of his experimental style, Brubeck's contributions to the genre cannot be overstated. His music was a reflection of his deep musical knowledge and his desire to bring jazz to a wider audience. Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.

Jazz is about freedom within discipline. Usually a dictators

Jazz is about freedom within discipline. Usually a dictatorship like in Russia and Germany will prevent jazz from being played because it just seemed to represent freedom, democracy and the United States.

I played a lot of sports and it's the plays in basketball th

I played a lot of sports and it's the plays in basketball that weren't worked out that are the ones that are just fantastic that you remember. We don't know the power that's within our own bodies.

That's the beauty of music. You can take a theme from a Bach

That's the beauty of music. You can take a theme from a Bach sacred chorale and improvise. It doesn't make any difference where the theme comes from the treatment of it can be jazz.

I'm always hoping for the nights that are inspired where you

I'm always hoping for the nights that are inspired where you almost have an out of body experience.

I'm beginning to understand myself. But it would have been g

I'm beginning to understand myself. But it would have been great to be able to understand myself when I was 20 rather than when I was 82.

Jazz stands for freedom. It's supposed to be the voice of fr

Jazz stands for freedom. It's supposed to be the voice of freedom: Get out there and improvise, and take chances, and don't be a perfectionist - leave that to the classical musicians.

Many people don't understand how disciplined you have to be

Many people don't understand how disciplined you have to be to play jazz... And that is really the idea of democracy - freedom within the Constitution or discipline. You don't just get out there and do anything you want.

My dad was the manager at the 45,000-acre ranch, but he owne

My dad was the manager at the 45,000-acre ranch, but he owned his own 1,200-acre ranch, and I owned four cattle that he gave to me when I graduated from grammar school, from the eighth grade. And those cows multiplied, and he kept track of them for years for me. And that was my herd.

I got a poster from Columbia Records, and there's Miles Davi

I got a poster from Columbia Records, and there's Miles Davis, Charlie Mingus, Ellington, Count Basie - everybody in that poster has died, I'm the only one left. And great players like Paul Desmond and Gerry Mulligan, it's hard to believe they're gone because we were all so close. But I believe in the future and the tradition will go on.