In his prime, Dave Brubeck was never known for his delicacy as a pianist--quite the opposite. But it's that quality that defines "Indian Summer," a collection of lightly nuanced ballads featuring him alone at his instrumen... more »t, confronting old age at 86. With its slow-to-leisurely tempos and plainspoken style, this 72-minute effort is best heard in small sections. But there's no denying the emotion at the heart of tunes like "September Song," "I'm Alone," and the title song, or the charm of the subtle stride and blues touches he applies to classics, including "Memories of You" and "Georgia on My Mind." --Lloyd Sachs« less
In his prime, Dave Brubeck was never known for his delicacy as a pianist--quite the opposite. But it's that quality that defines "Indian Summer," a collection of lightly nuanced ballads featuring him alone at his instrument, confronting old age at 86. With its slow-to-leisurely tempos and plainspoken style, this 72-minute effort is best heard in small sections. But there's no denying the emotion at the heart of tunes like "September Song," "I'm Alone," and the title song, or the charm of the subtle stride and blues touches he applies to classics, including "Memories of You" and "Georgia on My Mind." --Lloyd Sachs
"It's been nearly fifty years since "Take Five" vaulted Dave Brubeck out of the ranks of popular jazzmen and into the top tier of multi-genre music icons. He got there in 1960 without compromising his musical standards, and he has continued his career the same way. Indian Summer is a solo piano outing that ranks with the 86-year-old's most satisfying work. The first thing that comes to the mind of a longtime Brubeck fan is that his playing here is more subtle than generally remembered. The obvious reference is Bill Evans, not Time Out/Time In Brubeck Quartet. There are hints of the softer side of Scott Joplin, reminders of Keith Jarrett's solo explorations, and glimpses of Eubie Blake and Fats Waller, but mostly it's just Dave at his most reflective, meditating on a mix of standards, originals and songs he loved long ago. Very nice.
Originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 8/21/07"
Longtimefan
Lance Leipold | Mankato, Minnesota | 08/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been buying Dave Brubeck recordings for over 50 years. My first recordings were Dave at Storyville and Jazz goes to College. This latter album has been my favorite album for this whole period of time. I have heard him in person several times. I think he is simply amazing still making recordings at the age of 86. His playing is so good. I wish some music critics would have been kinder to him. One person said that Dave Brubeck is not much better than a cocktail pianist. This is a gross insult to one of the greatest jazz pianists I have ever heard. Lance Leipold"
Subtle Ivory Ruminations
Matthew J. Archuleta | DENVER, CO USA | 01/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One might say this CD encapsulates the life of a classically trained Jazz pianist. However, shades of Art Tatum, Scott Joplin, Fats Waller and yes Darius Milhaud come to light here. If you are seeking fireworks and presto this CD is not for you. That does not mean this music isn't without dynamics--it has--but the potent is in the subtlety. Listen.
Take a listen to track three, "Autumn in Our Town" a beautifully expressed and crafted Indian Summer piano vignette by Dave Brubeck. This track is a definitive tone poem of the title.
Remember Paul Desmond Pure Desmond and his sweet signatory embouchure profiling his tone? Well the piano as played here by Dave Brubeck atavistically ordains resemblance. A truly beautiful CD. A must have CD if you enjoy piano.
The imbecilic rubes might assign a moniker of smooth Jazz or the like. This is not the case. This CD is an etude, an excursion of the soul."
Brubeck
River girl | by the Cheasapeake Bay | 09/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Dave Brubeck in 1953 when a friend of mine brought me Jazz at Oberlin.What an exciting dsicovery. I find it hard to think of Brubeck without Paul Desmond. They were such a gestalt. But I do love this recording. I imagine walking by his house where the windows are open early one morning hearing him playing some of those songs he has loved for many years just for himself and perhaps Iola.There is an ease and clarity and subtlety of phrasing that takes a lifetime of playing to develop. He is at one with his piano.A treat."