DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET - My Favorite Things (1965-2014) RM / JAZZ COLLECTION 1000 / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Although recorded in sessions in 1962 and 1965, this set of Richard Rodgers tunes by the Dave Brubeck Quartet has a strong unity about it due to the consistent performances of the veteran group. With altoist Paul Desmond and the pianist-leader contributing some fine solos (and bassist Eugene Wright and drummer Joe Morello excellent in support), The Rodgers songs are treated with respect and swing. This comparatively gentle version of "My Favorite Things" would never be mistaken for John Coltrane's. by Scott Yanow

"My Favorite Things" is one of Dave Brubeck's "composer albums". Brubeck fans will recall such titles as "Anything Goes" (Cole Porter), and "Angel Eyes" (Matt Denise) here the Dave Brubeck Quartet pays homage to Richard Rogers and the results, while at as satisfying as "Anything Goes", make "My Favorite Things" one of Brubeck's best albums.

We start things off with a fast tempo version of the title track, minus Paul Desmond. Brubeck at times seems as if he's about to go off-time, but never does. Brubeck fans will take note of the fact he has made a career playing around with time signitures. But Brubeck does get some good passages in. I like a lot of the chord changes and Brubeck's right hand does some nifty work.

The next track "Over and Over Again" starts off with Brubeck playing the melody, almost as a ballad and then things pick up as Desmond comes in. Wonderful interplay between Brubeck and Desmond should make you keep coming back to this one.

My favorite track on the album might be "This Can't Be Love". Brubeck plays it as a familar tempo but again gets in a lot of good passages. As does Paul Desmond.

"Circus on Parade" is one the only song on the album I wasn't familar with it. The quartet swings on it from beginning to end and the result is rather pleasing.

"My Romance" and "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World" are the same version heard on Brubeck's "Plays West Side Story". But are enjoyable to listen to but I prefer "Girl".

Overall "My Favorite Things" is a very good album that demonstrates with made the quartet so popular. Brubeck and Desmond as usual have wonderful chemistry together and the song selection is a delight. If there is one negative thing to say about the album it is that there aren't enough songs! Where are the recordings of "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered", "Where or When", "Soon (There'll Just Be Two Of Us)", "Lady Is A Tramp" and "Loads of Love"? But we Brubeck fans will take what we can get.

Bottom-line: One of Brubeck's best albums. Desmond and Brubeck are a delight to listen to as is the song selection. Fans of Brubeck should check this out despite it being very rare. by Alex Udvary, 

Tracklist:

1. My Favorite Things  2:57 

Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers

2. Over and Over Again 4:07

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

3. Why Can't I? 6:58

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

4. Little Girl Blue 5:35

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

5. This Can't Be Love 6:57

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

6. My Romance 6:55

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

7. The Circus on Parade 3:19

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

8. The Most Beautiful Girl in the World 5:18

Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers

Time: 0:42:10

Recorded on June 11, 1962 - September 22, 1965.

Credits

Dave Brubeck - piano

Paul Desmond - alto saxophone

Gene Wright - bass

Joe Morello - drums