Dave Brubeck: The 40th Anniversary Tour of the U.K.

This album, commemorating the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s first tour of England in 1958 with a return visit, isn’t simply an excursion in nostalgia. Recorded live at three consecutive concerts, the album opens with a memorable reprise of “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Then agile altoist Bobby Militello fuels a new tango-influenced chart, “The Time of Our Madness.” A terrific blues in the expected Brubeck locked-hands style, “Oh You Can Run (But You Can’t Hide),” features a strong solo by top English bassist Alec Dankworth and the perfect percussion of fellow Brit Randy Jones.

Brubeck leads a superlative swing version of “In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town,” then burns his brand onto Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.” Gently swinging ballad entries are “Deep Purple” and “All of Me,” preceding a huge change of pace, the 12-tone theme of “The Salmon Strikes.” The closing track is Brubeck’s touching tribute to Gerry Mulligan, “Goodbye, Old Friend,” recorded solo in an empty auditorium before the concert began. After 40 years, Brubeck’s creative genius continues his contributions of rhythmic complexity and remarkable improvisation.

Originally Published September 1, 1999