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Dave Brubeck: Lullabies
ByVerve has released a selection of previously unavailable recordings by jazz pianist icon Dave Brubeck which offer a collection of interpretations of beloved childhood melodies. Originally composed and recorded for his grandchildren, Brubeck brings a lovely lightness and simple crispness to the chordal phrasing of each familiar song. Such material runs the risk of sounding too sentimental, but Brubeck brings his own style and approach. A jazz twist on "Brahms Lullaby" accentuates the modern while maintaining the traditional arrangement of the song. A little moment of stride-style piano and jazz romp occurs on "When It's Sleepy Time Down South." On "Over the Rainbow," Brubeck uses a slower tempo that enhances the vocalization of chords and makes you hear the lyrics in your head, sustained.
The album also contains five original tracks: "Going To Sleep" "Lullaby For lola," "Koto Song," "Softly, William, Softly" and "Briar Bush" The soft and dream-like melody of "Koto Song" with its nursery rhyme keyboard octaves and seductive pace could calm a storm. A brighter and almost night club-style ballad is revealed on "Briar Bush," which finishes with a keyboard tickle. The most contemplative composition, "Going to Sleep," uses sparse chords with a Bill Evans-like structure that is pure reflective and peaceful.
Lullabies is truly a nostalgic listening adventure, surprising the familiar with a jazzy re-invigoration of arrangements and bolstered by originals that blend right into the set. On this private recording, Brubeck provides yet another unique musical point of view.
Track Listing
Brahms Lullaby; When It's Sleepy Time Down South; Over The Rainbow; Danny Boy; Going To Sleep; There's No Place Like Home; Lullaby For Iola; Koto Song; All Through The Night; Softly Wlliam Softly; A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes; Briar Bush; Sleep; Summertime; Brahms Lullaby (Reprise).
Personnel
Dave Brubeck
pianoAlbum information
Title: Lullabies | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Verve Music Group