Dave Brubeck RIP
He personified West Coast Jazz Cool. And in tribute, I’ll rephrase from a Friday Song dedicated to this iconic amazing artist. And my favorite Dave Brubeck LP, 1964′s “Jazz Impressions of Japan” is a formerly obscure release now rediscovered and better appreciated by a new generation. Written during a tour of the nation, highlighting the iconic Brucbeckian twinkling piano and Eugene Wright’s subtle bass with Paul Desmond’s wistful sax rhthymed by Joe Morello’s soft drums, the whole eight song musical diary aptly reflects the gaijin observer’s POV of zencool Japan, a wet city twined with neon and bonsai, bustling with exotic energy. Although my personal favorite piece, “The City Is Crying” is not well represented live on youtube, all you need to do is listen to this very cool track and you’ll see, hear the gentle rain streaking down neon and ricepaper….
