Dave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck has played Baldwin Pianos for most of his long career. As a classically trained performer, he added poly-rhythmic concepts to jazz. Among his most celebrated recordings is the world famous “Take Five.” While he never caught the teaching bug, he has been greatly influential on countless performers and musical professors who have been inspired by his blend of the classical techniques and the feel of jazz. Mr. Brubeck has come to symbolize the high art of music and has thus given jazz a great deal of its needed respect. As a supporter of musical education, he has appeared and performed for musical causes around the world.

James “Red” Holloway is an accomplished jazz saxophone player who began his love affair with music while a student of Captain Walter Dyette at DuSable High School in Chicago back in 1942. He recalls his first paying gig at 16 with the band of Gene Wright, who later went on to become a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Red talks of the wonderful jazz clubs he worked in Chicago in the 1940’s and 50’s. In recent years, Red has worked with Clark Terry. He shares some of his comments with him.

Joe Morello’s influential drumming style was showcased on the landmark Dave Brubeck recording of “Take Five.” Ever since, he has inspired generations of performers. Joe became an icon in the music product’s industry through his long associations with manufacturers as an endorsee, music retailers as a clinician, and publishers as an author of successful method books. He gave advice and lessons to all who ask, and was often known to be the last to leave a clinic – ensuring all questions have been answered. His NAMM Oral History was completed on June 8, 2007.