Original released on LP Columbia
CS 8192 (stereo) / CL 1397 (mono)
(US, 1959)
Dave Brubeck's
defining masterpiece, "Time Out" is one of the most rhythmically innovative
albums in jazz history, the first to consciously explore time signatures
outside of the standard 4/4 beat or 3/4 waltz time. It was a risky move - Brubeck's record company wasn't keen on releasing such an arty project, and
many critics initially roasted him for tampering with jazz's rhythmic
foundation. But for once, public taste was more advanced than that of the
critics. Buoyed by a hit single in altoist Paul Desmond's ubiquitous "Take
Five," "Time Out" became an unexpectedly huge success, and still ranks as
one of the most popular jazz albums ever. That's a testament to Brubeck and
Desmond's abilities as composers, because "Time Out" is full of challenges both
subtle and overt - it's just that they're not jarring. Brubeck's classic
"Blue Rondo à la Turk" blends jazz with classical form and Turkish
folk rhythms, while "Take Five," despite its overexposure, really is
a masterpiece; listen to how well Desmond's solo phrasing fits the 5/4 meter,
and how much Joe Morello's drum solo bends time without getting lost. The other
selections are richly melodic as well, and even when the meters are even, the
group sets up shifting polyrhythmic counterpoints that nod to African and
Eastern musics. Some have come to disdain "Time Out" as its become increasingly
synonymous with upscale coffeehouse ambience, but as someone once said of
Shakespeare, it's really very good in spite of the people who like it. It
doesn't just sound sophisticated - it really is sophisticated music, which
lends itself to cerebral appreciation, yet never stops swinging. Countless
other musicians built on its pioneering experiments, yet it's amazingly
accessible for all its advanced thinking, a rare feat in any art form. This
belongs in even the most rudimentary jazz collection. (Steve Huey in AllMusic)
