The familiar opening bars of Take Five were the soundtrack to sixties swing and mid-twentieth century cool. The tune composed by saxophonist Paul Desmond and from the million-selling Time Out album, made Dave Brubeck a household name, but also changed perceptions of jazz as a niche art form forever.  

Throughout his long and immensely fulfilled career, Brubeck created stunning music of great depth and breadth. He consolidated his initial success by continuing to explore unusual time signatures, but a gift for counterpoint and harmony also contributed to widespread popularity.

The internationally acclaimed Scottish National Jazz Orchestra led by Tommy Smith returns to the EdinburghFestival Fringe to celebrate the timeless sound of Dave Brubeck.  Playing arrangements of Brubeck’s tracks specially commissioned from respected composer Bill Dobbins, professor of Jazz at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY, these provide new insights into his most iconic compositions.

Scotland’s National Jazz Orchestra is joined by Canadian saxophonist John Nugent to explore Dave Brubeck’s extraordinary music, and pay tribute to a versatile composer and jazz master who remains loved and revered in equal measure.

Dave Brubeck “Take 5”

Concert Dates

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra