Jim Panttaja

I have written a couple of time about the thrill, joy, might I say imperative, of attending live performances (Live Performances, Live Performers). This last weekend, we saw Dave Brubeck and his quartet in an event sponsored by the Healdsburg Jazz Festival.

What a treat. In his 80’s, Mr. Brubeck walks slowly - and when other musicians are featured, he leans back, relaxed, in his seat. But when his hands hit the keys, he shows that he’s still got it.

He is of course a writer as well as performer - and the unfamiliar rhythms (unsquared was in 7/8 I think - and of course the closing number “Take Five”) confused the brain a bit - but in a good way. How do you tap your foot to “Take Five”? But pieces featured each member of his quartet.

The saxophonist, Bobby Millitelo, was a surprise treat.  His fingers could fly - sometimes to follow Mr. Brubeck’s writing (including one piece where he brought out the music), and sometimes in improvisation. And his flute playing on a ballad was inspired. On sax, he played an incredible dynamic and articulation range. In a single line the sax was popping and flowing smoothly, and barely audible up to a strong fortissimo.

Mr. Brubeck’s stories were entertaining - and I found myself hoping for more. Comments about recent reviews (referring the age and grey hair of his quartet - and how they ’stole the show’) were funny - and we only learned how apt as they got in to their groove.

We will remember the performances for a few quirks as well - the sprinklers that were coming on as we arrived - hitting both of us as we walked to the door, the closed bathroom - creating a long line of women at the one open bathroom before the concert and at intermission, and the 80 degree temperature, the pause while they tried to get one of the microphones to work at the beginning of the concert . The Jazz Festival and the Jackson Theater can both do better.

But a great evening. When they finished “Take Five” - it took a few minutes to realize that of course that was the finale - and they were done for the night. They had played a long evening (two long sets) - but we weren’t ready to go home. As they say - “always leave them wanting more”. I can’t imagine Dave Brubeck will ever end an evening any other way.