In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Take Five

Music by Paul Desmond

Originally Performed by Dave Brubeck Quartet

"Take Five" is a jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond and originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet for its 1959 album Time Out. Made at Columbia Records' 30th Street Studio in New York City on July 1, 1959, two years later it became an unlikely hit and the biggest-selling jazz single ever. Revived since in numerous movie and television soundtracks, it still receives significant radio airplay.

Release Date: 1959

Randy Crenshaw : Cool Contemporary Jazz

This tender a cappella treatment of John Coltrane's beautiful ballad, "Naima," without lyrics. It features a female soloist, with rich broken-chord harmonizations beneath. Randy has his "finger on the trigger" with this a cappella instrumental-style arrangement of the Quincy Jones' funk tune, "Love Is In Control." You'll have fun with this one! The first a cappella vocal version of this famous Chick Corea Latin classic, "Spain." This chart features a strong baritone or alto soloist in the rubato introduction, accompanied by thick vocal "spread voicings," then kicks into the familiar up-tempo samba feel, with quick octave unisons for all voices. After going through the tune, it opens up for improvisation solos over the chorus, with the bass singers continuing the samba-bass feel while the upper voices do horn-type hits and pads behind the soloist. A high, then low ending brings the piece to an impressive close. Requires good range by soprano and bass. First tenor part can be sung by alto if necessary. "Take 5" was commissioned by UNC for the Axidentals to sing on a special concert with the Dave Brubeck.

Songlist: Naima, Love Is In Control, Stolen Moments, Take Five, I Belong to You, Stolen Moments

Individual Folios

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Kirby Shaw : Take Five

One of the true icons of "jazz" is Dave Brubeck. His signature song, written by Paul Desmond, comes to life in this remarkable setting from Kirby Shaw. It's hip and will be a hit with singers and audiences alike.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Paul Desmond Performed By: Dave Brubeck Quartet