50 years ago, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck topped the charts and shook up musical heads with ‘Take Five’, it was cool and edgy. Recently a perfect video mash up was done on youtube by overdubbing Brubeck’s tune with one by the popular rock band Radiohead, which is impossible to watch without a smile ear to ear. Rock fans and serious jazz listeners love it. At 88, Dave Brubeck still writing and playing ‘as you can while you can’.
When he met Brazilian conductor and pianist João Carlos Martins, and played together for the first time they came to the understanding that Jazz and Bach have many things in common. Later, in 1979, Mr. Martins mentioned on NBC News that he would like to play the Bach Double Piano Concerto with Dave. Due to unfortunate events leading to the damage of both of his hands, Mr. Martins lost the ability to play the piano, and was never able to live up to his dream.
“The rapport between João Carlos and me was instant. And ever since that time we shared many a musical thought which is what the October 2nd concert is all about.” – Dave Brubeck
On October 2, 8pm at Avery Fisher Hall they will live up this dream.
Conductor João Carlos Martins plays together with jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his son trombonist Chris Brubeck along with the Bachiana Filarmônica from Brazil.
This “meeting” will include a program of Brazilian works along with Dave Brubeck’s own compositions. The night begins with “Ouverture Opera Amazônia” by Mateus Araujo, followed by Villa-Lobos’ “Bachiana Brasileira No. 7.” Dave will be the solo pianist in Howard Brubeck’s “Theme for June,”
and his son Chris plays solo trombone of his own composition, “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.” Mr. Brubeck’s “Brandenburg Gate Revisited,” is also on the program, and a collaborative effort with João Carlos Martins with Mr. Brubeck’s piece, “Thank You,” will finish the program.
Although the Bach Concerto is not on the program at Avery Fisher Hall, Dave Brubeck and João Carlos will perform together when Mr. Brubeck plays Brandenburg Gate with Mr. Martins’ orchestra. Even with Mr. Martins’
limitations, he will join Mr. Brubeck at the piano for the last piece of the program – a dream come true.
