The New Brubeck Quartet - A Cut Above ! - Direct-Disk Labs - DD 106

Some things from the 1970s simply don't hold. When you go back they don't create that same feeling. THIS OLD ALBUM IS NOT ONE OF THOSE. I bought this album when it first came out back in the 70s and enjoyed it greatly. When I saw it on Amazon, I had to get a copy again, my original was gone with all the rest of me vinyl And this one would never be on CD--no tape master to work with. Critically, it got mixed reviews, but I never needed someone else to tell me what was good.Dave and his sons give us a nice ride threw old and new jazz. And this was an experimental project. The recording is direct to disk. That means no second chances. You do a whole album side right or you do it again or scrap it. There are four good sides her. I don't know if they had false starts or do overs, but the finished product is excellent. The direct to disk gives the record a live feel and the Brubeck's keep a constant energy flowing throughout the whole project.Dave's sons performed excellently, but the bottom line of this record was Dave's playing. He was a master of jazz and this record confirmed that one more time. I'm glad I got my copy of "A Cut Above" replaced.

It was a gift for my husband for Christmas who collects vinyl. He was so surprised & pleased! It was in perfect condition...even had the original plastic jacket. Best Christmas purchase this year!

Since I always recorded my lps on to tape my copy has only been played a few times. The sound is just wonderful even after all these years. Now you know all of the songs here if you have been listening to Dave's over the years but it's a little different for one it is Dave wiyh three of his sons. The thing you will notice how easily they play these songs they grew up around the what was once strange timrs in which these songs are in. The opening Duke Ellington medley is wonderful it starts with Dave's The Duke and moves on for the rest of the side with some of the great Ellington songs. Now this being direct to disk once they start they had to keep until that side was complete. There would be no overdubs and to top it off only so many copies could be made. Now if this eas released in any other format it had to come from recording the lp. With that said this is the real deal here. I love this group Dave is at home with his family, here is Dave with his sons who are also great musicians themselves. As I drummer it amazed me at how at ease Dan is with playing a drum solo in 5/4 time now this was 1978 when it came out, I think these guys were born breathing in odd times. The songs are great 40 Days along with Sermon On The Mount are from Dave's Light In The Wilderness takes up side two. Unishere, Three To Get Ready with Blue Rondo which always a treat to hear. The forth and final side Unsquare Dance followed by Take Five. Not only is the music a treat but the liner notes are wonderful five pages about Dave. A little about each son, some tech stuff abouf the recording and then a break down of each song. Over all a great record. I remember seeing Dave and his sons on the Today show when this first came out seeing playing together was wonderful. If you can get your hands on a copy of this you will not be disappointed.