Search - Dave Brubeck :: Time In

An Unheralded Classic

Willie Sordillo | Framingham, MA USA | 10/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though not as adventurous in time signature explorations as the other recordings the classic Brubeck Quartet made in their series of "Time" recordings, this album is nonetheless a sublime gem. On this session, one of the most cohesive groups in the history of jazz exalts in its ability to swing mightily while retaining an intimate, hushed atmosphere. Dave's compositions, while seemingly simple compared to earlier pieces like "Strange Meadowlark" and "Unsquare Dance", and the later "Crescent City Stomp", belie the group's deftness at negotiating the considerable challenge of transforming the simple to the sublime. On "Softly, William, Softly" and "Forty Days", two of Brubeck's most beautiful themes, Desmond carves out solos so perfect, each note so carefully chosen and executed, yet so bursting with pure spontaneity, that they stand alongside anything composed, edited and honed by the best of jazz composers. It sounds so effortless it's easy for a casual listener to either write it off as facile or assume it had been worked out in advance. Neither is true. What is true is that this is a beautiful, overlooked masterpiece which I have come back to time and again since first owning it on LP 35 years ago. It never fails to satisfy. One of the most beautiful and significant works of art I've ever encountered."

Wonderfully lyrical

J. Kutner | 02/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is apparently meant as counterpoint to the more famous "Time Out" album. Personally, I like "Time in" better. The melodies carried by Brubeck on piano and Paul Desmond on sax are both haunting and beautiful."