Dave Brubeck

A Life in Time

By: Philip Clark

Narrated by: Fleet Cooper

The definitive, investigative biography of jazz legend Dave Brubeck ("Take Five")

In 2003, music journalist Philip Clark was granted unparalleled access to jazz legend Dave Brubeck. Over the course of 10 days, he shadowed the Dave Brubeck Quartet during their extended British tour, recording an epic interview with the bandleader. Brubeck opened up as never before, disclosing his unique approach to jazz; the heady days of his "classic" quartet in the 1950s-'60s; hanging out with Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis; and the many controversies that had dogged his 66-year-long career.

Alongside beloved figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, Brubeck has achieved name recognition beyond jazz. But finding a convincing fit for Brubeck's legacy, one that reconciles his mass popularity with his advanced musical technique, has proved largely elusive. In Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time, Clark provides us with a thoughtful, thorough, and long-overdue biography of an extraordinary man whose influence continues to inform and inspire musicians today.

Structured around Clark's extended interview and intensive new research, this book recounts one of the last untold stories of jazz, unearthing the secret history of "Take Five" and many hitherto unknown aspects of Brubeck's early career - and sharing details about his creative relationship with his star saxophonist, Paul Desmond. Woven throughout are cameo appearances from a host of unlikely figures, from Sting, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, and Keith Emerson, to John Cage, Leonard Bernstein, Harry Partch, and Edgard Varèse. Each chapter explores a different theme or aspect of Brubeck's life and music, illuminating the core of his artistry and genius. To quote President Obama, as he awarded the musician with a Kennedy Center Honor: "You can't understand America without understanding jazz, and you can't understand jazz without understanding Dave Brubeck."

©2020 Philip Clark (P)2020 Da Capo Press

Critic reviews

"This is the writing about jazz that we've been waiting for. By keeping the music at the center, and interweaving the background of cultural, political and social change to illuminate the development of the music, Clark gives us a complete picture of the artist's life and work." (Mike Westbrook, jazz pianist and composer)

"Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time is about the timeless life of the inspired and inspiring jazz master Dave Brubeck. This biography, written with love and passion, is a landmark document that is insightful and inspiring all in itself. Bravo!" (Joe Lovano, jazz saxophonist)

"Biography, social history, musicological exploration...this wonderful book is many things. But above all, it is a sort of intoxicating literary jam session. Words and sentences spit and spin and swing, creating rhythms and harmonies worthy of Brubeck himself. The sheer descriptive verve, page after page, made me want to listen to every single musical example cited. A major achievement." (Stephen Hough, classical pianist and composer)

"A nontraditional biography that sings...as unconventional and compelling as its subject." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A concise but comprehensive biography... [Clark] hits the right notes for die-hard Brubeck disciples and jazz neophytes alike." (Publishers Weekly)

Over emphasis on describing the music

I didn't find this biography to be as inspiring as I had hoped it would be. The author tries so hard to put the essence of Brubeck‘s musicianship and music performances into words. The struggles and accomplishments of Brubeck get lost as a result. Too much emphasis on describing the music versus discussing the musician for my taste.

A Life of Great Music

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Dave Brubeck is truly one of a kind. Dont let this one pass you by.

Disappointing, disjointed, dull

The overdone, overwhelming, and tiring descriptions, almost song by song-- sing-songy -- is not what I consider true biography. Maybe my expectations were too high in wanting to know more about Dave Brubeck, not the author's capacity to coin cute and catchy phrasing. A third of the way through I found myself searching Audible for another Brubeck biography, and was further disappointed to discover that this one is all there was. I had to Take 5, In My Own Sweet Way, from this Strange Meadowlark.