Welcome to my entry for Week 129, Round 3 of the Hive Music Festival! This week, I bring you my interpretation of the legendary jazz piece Take Five. Once recognized as one of the most challenging compositions to perform, this extraordinary song dares musicians to explore its complex rhythms, lyrical grace, and captivating intricacies. I want you know that around the 50 percent of my performance here is improvised, trying to keep always the spirit. I’ve tried also to fuse latin american guitar riffs with the original structure.
A little story about the song
Composed by Paul Desmond in 1959, Take Five is best known for its groundbreaking 5/4 time signature, which creates an elegant yet unconventional rhythm. This unique structure challenges both performers and listeners, drawing them into an intricate dance of sound that feels simultaneously unpredictable and hypnotic. When Lola Brubeck, wife of Dave Brubeck, added lyrics to the piece, it took on an evocative new dimension. The lyrics’ contemplative and romantic quality pairs beautifully with the dynamic flow of the melody, making the vocal version a truly remarkable artistic achievement.
Over the years, Take Five has been embraced by legendary jazz singers such as Carmen McRae and Al Jarreau. McRae’s tender, sultry rendition brought out the emotional richness of the lyrics, while Jarreau’s vibrant and improvisational approach highlighted the playful complexity of its rhythmic foundation. These interpretations, among others, have proven that the piece is endlessly versatile, a masterpiece that inspires creativity across generations.
The song’s origin is equally fascinating. In its early days, some members of the jazz community were hesitant about experimenting with the 5/4 rhythm, which was virtually unheard of in popular jazz at the time. Yet, Paul Desmond and his collaborators took a bold step, crafting a piece that not only broke conventions but redefined the boundaries of what jazz could achieve. Take Five’s structural elegance lies in its balance of repetition and variation, creating a cohesive yet ever-evolving musical journey.
Well, it is a pleasure to be part of this adventure in Music Zone. I wish everyone a good time and, most important, lot of fun. Because, what is music without it?
Stay safe!
One Love!
Lyrics
Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive
Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play
Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way
Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five