I first saw Dan Brubeck when he was 19 years old. His famous dad was being honored with the Connecticut Arts Award and generously played at the ceremony.  It became a family affair when a tuxedo-clad Dave introduced his young drummer son who also looked the part, with a twist.  Dan strode out on stage barefooted and with shoulder length hair. Dave did not bat an eye.  I loved it! After all, Dave was an iconoclast himself, with his popularization of polyrhythms in jazz –think the mega hit, Take Five.

That was more than 40 years ago.  Dan has toured the internationally since as a leader of his own groups, a member of the Brubeck Brother’s bands, a Grammy nominee and  a featured soloist with symphony orchestras worldwide. The hairstyle remains the same but, alas, he has opted for shoes. Good choice given he now makes his home in Vancouver, Canada, where he met the terrific bandmates who take the stage with him at Litchfield Jazz Fest, July 28th. The set revisits his wonderful live recording, Celebrating the music and lyrics of Dave and Iola Brubeck, a 2 CD set by the Dan Brubeck Quartet with a 28-page booklet containing song notes by Iola Brubeck and historical photos. You’ll love the vocals by the multitalented bassist/singer, Adam Thomas backed by the “drama, potency and virtuosity…”(DOWNBEAT) of Dan’s drumming. Don’t miss this performance.

—

VWM