This two-CD set gives one a fine overview of the
Dave Brubeck Quartet during their years on Columbia. All of the 28 selections are available elsewhere so longtime collectors will want to skip this reissue, but those listeners just beginning to discover
Brubeck's special music may want to acquire this set for a start. The main "hits" ("Take Five," "Blue Rondo A La Turk," etc.) are here but, even with guest appearances by
Carmen McRae,
Louis Armstrong,
Charles Mingus and
Jimmy Rushing (along with two later selections that have baritonist
Gerry Mulligan in altoist
Paul Desmond's place), the emphasis is very much on the classic Quartet. ~ Scott Yanow