Africans Take Five – 2024
Chyke Martins and Udoh Band
A transformation of “Take Five” by an African group
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Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” made famous by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959, has been performed a countless number of times through the years.
Most versions stay close to the original one, at least rhythmically, but a group of all-star musicians from Africa came up with a fresh rendition.
Taking the song in 6/4 rather than 5/4 time, the Udoh Band creates a hypnotic version that features a torrid soprano solo by Chyke Martins.
The other musicians (guitarist Alfred Olasunkanmi, electric bassist Mayowa Afolabi, drummer Tee Grooves, and singer Flora Sparkle) keep the groove going during the highly appealing performance.
-Scott Yanow
