"Take Five" is a jazz standard composed by alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. First recorded in 1959 for the album Time Out, it became the biggest-selling jazz single of all time and is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz standards ever recorded1.
Musical Innovation
- Time Signature: The song is famous for its unusual 5/4 meter, which was highly unconventional in jazz at the time. The title "Take Five" refers both to the quintuple time signature and the phrase "take five," meaning to take a short break134.
- Key and Structure: Written in E-flat minor, the piece is structured in ternary (ABA) form. The iconic vamp is based on a simple progression of Eb minor to Bb minor7 for the A sections, with the B section modulating through Cbmaj7, Bbmin7, Abmin7, and GbMaj73.
- Rhythm and Solos: The rhythm section, especially drummer Joe Morello, is central to the song’s identity. Morello’s drum solo is a highlight, with pianist Dave Brubeck maintaining a constant vamp underneath to help keep the complex rhythm grounded45. The melody, played by Desmond, relies on the blues scale, giving the tune its memorable, cool feel13.
- Recording: The track was recorded on July 1, 1959, after several failed attempts to capture the right feel. The final version was completed in just two takes15.
Background and Impact
- Inspiration: The song was conceived after Brubeck’s 1958 State Department-sponsored tour of Eurasia, where he encountered unusual time signatures in local music. Drummer Joe Morello requested a piece in 5/4 to showcase his skills, prompting Desmond to compose the tune, with Brubeck arranging it15.
- Reception: Released as a single in 1959, "Take Five" became a sleeper hit, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually selling over a million copies1. Its success helped to popularize odd time signatures in jazz and inspired countless musicians.
- Legacy: "Take Five" remains a staple of jazz radio and performance, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and covered by hundreds of artists. Its blend of rhythmic innovation, memorable melody, and accessible groove continues to resonate with audiences worldwide15.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composer | Paul Desmond |
| Album | Time Out (1959) |
| Personnel | Dave Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (alto sax), Eugene Wright (bass), Joe Morello (drums) |
| Time Signature | 5/4 |
| Key | E-flat minor |
| Structure | Ternary (ABA) |
| Notable Features | 5/4 meter, bluesy melody, drum solo, iconic vamp |
| Chart Performance | Biggest-selling jazz single of all time |
| Legacy | Jazz standard, Grammy Hall of Fame, influence on jazz rhythm |
Summary
"Take Five" is a landmark in jazz history, renowned for its innovative 5/4 time signature, bluesy melody, and Joe Morello’s dynamic drum solo. Composed by Paul Desmond and popularized by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, it not only became the best-selling jazz single ever but also expanded the rhythmic possibilities of jazz, leaving a lasting impact on the genre15.
