Dave Brubeck : Ballads

The All Music Guide rating for this album on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 6

The All Music Guide rating for this album among this artist's works on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 5

  Alan Dawson - Drums
  Bill Smith - Clarinet
  Billy Kyle - Piano
  Carmen McRae - Vocals
  Dave Brubeck - Piano, Main Performer
  Eugene Wright - Bass
  Gerry Mulligan - Sax (Baritone)
  Jack Six - Bass
  Joe Morello - Drums
  Louis Armstrong - Vocals
  Paul Desmond - Sax (Alto)
  Salvatore Agueros - Bongos, Conga

For listeners interested in a mellow overview of much of what pianist Dave Brubeck is famous for, this is a nice compilation. Ballads: Music for You features various studio and live performances that pianist Dave Brubeck gave from the mid-'50s to the late '60s. Included are dates with longtime collaborator/saxophonist Paul Desmond and others. Since most Brubeck aficionados will probably have heard these tracks before -- as most, if not all of his catalog is available on CD -- this album appears rather superfluous for even die-hard completists. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable and well-paced release. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide

Import pressing of this 2002 collection, now discontinued in the US. Recorded between 1956 and 1991. Includes liner notes by Dave Brubeck.All tracks have been digitally remastered. Sony/BMG.