Dave Brubeck’s 1959 classic Time Out is one of the finest jazz albums ever recorded. My kid thinks so too – albeit in fewer words.
Why I Like it:
Time Out is why I love Jazz. It was the first Jazz record that broke through to me, and while I can now go on about Brubeck’s choice of time signatures, that’s not why I love it. As complex as this record is, it’s also melodic, fun, atmospheric and inspiring. It’s grown with me, to the point where I discover something totally new every time I pop it on. Also, “Take Five” is basically the soundtrack to being cool.
Why my Daughter liked it:
As much as I love A Love Supreme or Bitches Brew, they’re not exactly the kinds of albums you want to sing along with. Not so with Time Out. I threw it on as the soundtrack to bath time with Ellie, and I could see a change in her mood immediately. Well, let me clarify. I threw it on as a bath soundtrack and then mimicked Paul Desmond’s legendary alto sax with my voice, which sounded like a very excited duck had gotten into some helium. Shockingly, Eleanor was smiling pretty wide – as opposed to being frozen in pure fear. Victory!
Why You’ll like it:
For all the nerd love this record gets, it’s just so incredibly accessible. So if the melodies don’t get your kid, your shuffling and grooving will. It’s a rainy afternoon album, it’s a jolly jumper album, it’s a time-to-go-to-bed album. It’s everything.
Essential tracks:
Take Five
Blue Rondo a la Turk
Three to Get Ready
Here’s the entire album for your listening pleasure:
And as always, here’s the ever-growing “Albums my daughter Loves” playlist.
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