“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck was the first jazz song I ever liked, and I mean really really liked! Even though my parents had a fairly large record collection they were NOT jazz fans. Maybe it was the fact that I discovered this gem on my own that made it (still makes it) special to me.

I can’t remember the TV show I saw this played on (Flip Wilson maybe?) but it was sometime in the early 70’s. I was captivated right away. I now own over 1,000 jazz LPs so it must have had some effect!

The clip shown here is from much earlier (1961) and is from the show “Jazz Casual” hosted by Ralph Gleason. That I saw Brubeck performing this same song on TV at least ten years later shows what a huge song this was for him. It has an unusual 5/4 time signature and Paul Desmond blows some very cool sax in it. The drums and bass are great too. Pretty much a perfect song.
Take five and enjoy!