"TAKE FIVE" - MR JOE MORELLO - THE GREAT DRUMMER WITH THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET

JOE MORELLO thrilled the world with his exquisite drumming on the hit recording of "Take Five" written by saxophonist Paul Desmond and performed by Dave Brubeck and his Quartet. This track was recorded at the Columbia Records' 30th Street Studio in Manhattan, New York on 1st July 1959. It was released as part of an album by the Brubeck Quartet called "Time Out"

The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Joe Morello (drums) Eugene Wright (bass) Dave Brubeck (piano) and Paul Desmond (alto sax)

Two years later in 1961 Take Five became an unlikely hit record and the biggest selling jazz single ever. This track still receives signifiant radio play today in 2016 (55 years on) and has been featured in numerous movie and television sound tracks. Take Five was for several years during the 1960's the theme music for the NBC Today program, the opening bars being played a dozen times or more daily.

Paul Desmond and Joe Morello

Written in the key of E-flat minor, Take Five is known for its distinctive two chord piano vamp; catchy blues scale alto saxophone medley; its highly inventive drum solo and use of the unusual 5/4 time signature, from which its name is derived.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet in action

Apparently, as the story goes, Dave Brubeck drew inspiration for Take Five and all the songs on the Time Out Album during a U.S.State Department sponsored tour of Eurasia, where he observed a group of Turkish street musicians performing a traditional folk song with Bulgarian influences in 9/8 time. I don't know how true this story is - but quite possibly highly likely. 

In later years Dave Brubeck and his drummer Joe Morello.

Paul Desmond, upon his death in 1977, left the rights to royalties for performances of his composition, including "Take Five" to the American Red Cross, which has since received combined royalties of approximately USD$100,000 per year.

As a young aspiring drummer - Joe Morello
Joe Morello was born on July 17, 1928, in Springfield, Mass. Having impaired vision since birth, he devoted himself to indoor activities. At the age of six, his family's encouragement led him to study the violin. Three years later, he was featured with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as soloist in the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. At the age of twelve, he made a second solo appearance with the orchestra. However, upon meeting and hearing his idol, the great Jascha Heifetz, Joe felt he could never achieve "that sound". So aged fifteen, Joe changed the course of his musical endeavours and began to study drums.

Joe's first drum teacher, Joe Sefcik, was a pit drummer for all the shows in the Springfield area. He was an excellent teacher and gave Joe much encouragement, Joe began sitting in with any group that would allow it. When he was not sitting in, he and his friends, including Teddy Cohen, Chuck Andrus, Hal Sera, Phil Woods and Sal Salvador, would get together and jam in any place they could find. Joe would play any job he was called for. As a result, his musical experiences ranged from rudimental military playing to weddings and social occasions. Eventually, Mr Sefcik decided it was time for Joe to move on. he recommended a teacher in Boston, the great George Lawrence Stone.

George Lawrence Stone did many things for Joe Morello. He gave Joe most of the tools for developing technique. He taught Joe to read. But most important of all, he made Joe realise his future was in jazz, not “legitimate” percussion, as Joe had hoped. Through his studies with Mr. Stone, Joe became known as the best drummer in Springfield, and rudimental champion of New England.

Joe's playing activity increased, and he soon found himself on the road with several groups. First there was Hank Garland and the Grand Ole Opry, and then Whitney Bernard. After much consideration, Joe left Whitney Bernard to go to New York City

I'm not sure if Joe was trying out singing!!

A difficult year followed, but with Joe's determination and the help of friends like Sal Salvador, Joe began to be noticed. Soon he found himself playing with an impressive cast of musicians that included Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Stan Kenton and Marian McPartland.

After leaving Marian McPartland's trio, Joe turned down offers from the Benny Goodman band and the Tommy Dorsey band. The offer he chose to accept was a two-month temporary tour with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which ended up lasting twelve and a half years. It was during this period that Joe's technique received its finishing touches from Billy Gladstone of Radio City Music Hall

Joe Morello with the Marian McPartland Trio

Joe and the Quartet looking very happy

It's interesting to note that when Dave Brubeck first employed Joe; Paul Desmond hated the addition of the drummer and is supposed to have said "either he goes or I go"! Brubeck responded by saying. "well Joe isn't leaving".

I don't think Paul spoke with Joe for many months - but I am pleased to report that this story has a happy ending.

Joe and the Quartet in concert

Joe Morello appeared in numerous Brubeck performances over a period of more than 12 years and contributed to over 60 albums with Brubeck. Other examples of Joe's soloing in odd time signatures can be heard on "Unsquare Dance" in 7/4 time - at the end of the track, he can be heard laughing about the "trick" ending.

Morello appeared in numerous Brubeck performances over a period of more than 12 years and contributed to over 60 albums with Brubeck. Joe's incredible soloing can be heard on "Unsure Dance" in 7/4. He is also featured on "Blue Rondo a la Turk", "Pick-up-Sticks" and "Castilian Drums".

During his career, Joe Morello appeared on over 120 albums, 60 of which were with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He authored several drum books, including "Master Studies", published by the Modern Drummer Publications. - He also made instructional videos. Morello was the recipient of many awards, including the Playboy Magazine's best drummer award for seven years in a row.

A great photo of Joe working out on the practice pad

Joe became an in-demand clinician, teacher and band leader, whose former students included Danny Gottlieb, Bruce Springsteen E Street drummer Max Weinberg, Rich Galichon, Phish drummer Jon Fishman, Gart Feldman, Patrick Wante, Tony Woo, Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons drummer Gerry Polci, Jerry Granelli and Glenn Johnson. Joe also worked out with the great Gene Krupa

Many famous drummers surrounding Joe - can you spot them all?

A Joe Morello Drum Clinic in the UK

Since 1968, when the Dave Brubeck Quartet disbanded, Joe spread his talents over a variety of areas. He maintained a very active private teaching practice. Through his association with DW Drums, Joe has made great educational contributions to drumming, as well as the entire field of jazz, by way of his clinics, lectures and guest solo appearances. 

Joe played Ludwig drums (Ringo wasn't the only one!) during his whole tenure with the Dave Brubeck Quartet - later he played DW Drums - but that iconic Ludwig kit sounded wonderful when Joe picked up those sticks.

Joe looking so happy playing.

Joe smiling on his DW kit later in life

Joe trying out some drums at the Professional Drum Shop in Los Angeles

Joe intensely watching Buddy Rich's left hand technique - in my personal opinion (and many others) Joe was probably the only drummer at that time that could match Buddy - I'd hate to say which left hand was better - I am sure Buddy would have gone the extra mile - he was so competitive, but it would have been close.

Buddy and Joe discussing left hand technique - which I had been there

Joe's workshops and clinics were always packed to the rafters with adoring drummers and other musicians 

Another clinic with drummers of all ages looking spellbound at Joe's left hand ( and right hand) technique

Joe continued performing with his trio of Doreen Gray (piano) and Nate Lienhatrdt (bass) in the New York Metro area for some years

Joe Morello sadly died in Irvington, New Jersey on March 12, 2011, aged 82, and is interred at Saint Michael Cemetery. His sight got worse as he grew older and he was virtually blind - but, his playing never suffered - he was loved by everyone who had the honour to meet him - of which I was one - Joe was such a great person - he would spend hours taking to young drummers and loved his art.

Joe Morello will be remembered for his extraordinary work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet; his passionate playing; his incredible technique and sensitivity; his gentleness and passion for his art; his teaching and gift of showing others the wonders of drumming; Take Five, Blue Rondo a la Turk, Unsquare Dance, Castilian Drums and a host of others thrilled audiences all over the world and they still do

Mr Take Five - RIP and thank you for your music and your incredible life

Thanks for reading

I have just noticed that some of the text is printing with a white background. I have no idea why this is happening - I typed everything the same way! Oh well, never mind - it spoils the look a bit but its still readable - sorry.

Peter