Blues For Joe – 1967

Dave Brubeck

Drummer Joe Morello is well featured

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Joe Morello (1928-2011) was a very powerful and versatile drummer who is best remembered now for his years (1957-67) with the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

While Brubeck’s earlier drummers were tasteful timekeepers, hiring Morello gave Brubeck a virtuoso who could easily play complex time signatures and added excitement to the very popular group.

Morello only had occasional features with the quartet but on this performance from the classic unit’s final year, the drummer is in the forefront throughout “Blues For Joe” after short spots for Brubeck and bassist Eugene Wright.

One can see from the explosive yet very musical display why Buddy Rich was a Joe Morello fan; Dave Brubeck looks pleased.

-Scott Yanow

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