Cross-Genre Synthesis

Abstract

The story of Time Out involves the surprising juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements and an artistic vision that encompasses musical cultures from around the world. The present chapter unfolds three case studies that illustrate Dave Brubeck’s liberal attitude toward many different kinds of music and his desire to invite their influence into his work as a composer and an improviser. It also demonstrates Brubeck’s skill in bringing together aspects of classical and world music with jazz, to produce a coherent artistic statement. First, the three strands of “Blue Rondo à la Turk” (world music, classical, blues) are examined individually. The chapter then proceeds to discussion of the origins of “Watusi Drums” in a field recording of African drumming, and its transformation into “Pick Up Sticks.” The last vignette considers Brubeck’s quotation from Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony in a version of “Take Five” that was recorded live in Moscow in 1987.