"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

ENVIRONMENT - YOU CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE

I was reading a series of articles about the state of the world today and in particular the environment. I have to tell you, it makes pretty ugly reading. However, as with all major issues there are solutions and reasons to feel hopeful that we can get things right. However, there is no time to lose - if we don't get it right now, we won't be leaving much of a world for generations to come. 

I never intend any of my blogs to be depressing. I always try and show that there is an upside and more important a solution to the issues we are facing. Sometimes (maybe always) we say to ourselves - this problem is too big - there's nothing I can do about it, therefore better not to think of it!! "Someone else's problem" - I suppose we've all said this at some time or other. However, the bottom line truth is that all of us can make a difference and we need to start NOW.

If everyone on the planet made even small changes in the way we live - we would have a better world and a better environment. Is this so hard to achieve?

There are many ways you can help, but here are some suggested ways (from an online article):

It's really easy to help - yes, on a daily basis, and in doing so you will be significantly improving your own life. Follow these 10 easy, day to day steps to contribute to a better environment and protect the planet we live on.

(1) Skip the car:

Instead of driving to the nearest store or taking the car to work, walk or ride your bike instead. Relying on your own form of locomotion instead of motor vehicles not only improves your health and keeps you in shape, but it also reduces air pollution.

(2) Recycle:

Next time you go to the grocery store, please buy things that can be easily recycled - for example, glass jars or tin cans, or some eco-friendly items that are made from already recycled materials. Please re-use bags and containers as much as possible. The global problems with plastic bags and all items made of plastic are horrifying - you can help - use one bag for your shopping and use it time and time again. - Please recycle all your plastic items - the damage plastic is doing to this earth of ours and in particularly our oceans is too much to bear.

(3) Buy locally:

Try and buy locally grown foods, in that way you're supporting farmers who are preserving farmland and the agricultural landscape instead of selling land for development. As a result you are benefiting the environment and all the wildlife that thrives in fields, woods and ponds. Buying locally also helps sustainability and maintaining clean water, soil and air quality. Not to mention that local farmers cut down drastically on energy consumption normally used to traverse long distances to deliver food.

(4) Live Minimally:

Materialistic goods are so often wasteful and it turns out they really don't make us very happy. More and more, people are realising that living a simple, minimal, earthy life - surrounded by family and friends and pursuing their passions - are more fulfilling. Instead of buying wasteful products then throwing them out or giving them away. Learn to minimise the clutter in your homes. Not only will it lower the amount of waste, it will make you feel more fulfilled, energised and focused.

(5) Be mindful with electronics:

Please turn off the lights when you're not home, unplug all electronic items you're not using. I am sure you have heard this advice before, but it truly helps the environment a lot. You should also change your regular lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce as much pollution as possible - comparable to removing a million cars from the roads. People are losing the ability to communicate - people walk up the streets glued to their smart phones - I've watched families sitting in restaurants and cafés looking at their phones and not speaking to one another at all! Turn them off from time to time each day.

(6) Be mindful with water:

Instead of taking a bath, take a shower - I love baths, but they take up twice as much water as showers. Keep your showers short and sweet, because every two minutes you can save 10 gallons of water. Please be mindful of water - WATER IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN OIL. Don't run water when brushing your teeth - it all helps - it really does.

(7) Plant trees:

Trees improve water quality and lowers air pollution. Even just planting them in your own backyard will provide their with more oxygen, keep your home cooler by providing shade and simply make you happy with their beauty.

(8) Carry a re-usable coffee cup or water bottle with you:

I love coffee, but all those Starbucks or Café Nero coffees add up! And the paper cups go to waste. To save the planet (and save money too), invest in a re-usable coffee mug (and water bottle). Your coffee will stay warmer, you can bring your own coffee from home, and some coffee shops will fill it up for you at a reduced price!

(9) Adjust the thermostat:

Keep your heating and cooling thermostats under control -  every one degree celsius will save 10 percent on energy use. Its so easy to forget these things - we all do it - you're not alone - but we can do something about it - we really can.

(10) Go vegetarian once or twice a week:

Eating one or two meals without meat or fish a week can help the earth enormously. Apart from saving the life of millions of defenceless animals, you'll save water significantly (producing one pound of beef apparently takes about 2,500 gallons of water) - and save trees (for every hamburger from animals raised on rainforest land, some 55 square feet of forest have been destroyed) - and IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH.

These are only some simple ways you can individually help the environment. You can think of many more - so that even the simplest saving helps - you can do it....

I often quote the Dalai Lama - his words of wisdom are so true:

Peace and the survival of life on earth as we know it are threaten by human activities which lack a commitment to humanitarian values. Destruction of nature and nature resources results from ignorance, greed and lack of respect for the earth's living things.

This lack of respect extends even to earth's human descendants, the future generations who will inherit a vastly degraded planet if world peace does not become a reality, and destruction of the natural environment continues at the present rate.

Our ancestors viewed the earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we now know is the case only if we care for it.

It is not difficult to forgive destruction in the past, which resulted from ignorance. Today, however, we have access to more information, and it is essential that we re-examine ethically what we have inherited, what we are responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations. Clearly this is a pivotal generation. Global communication is possible, yet confrontations take place more often than meaningful dialogues for peace.

Our marvels of science and technology are matched if not out-weighed by many current tragedies, including human starvation in some parts of the world, and extinction of other life forms.

Exploration of outer space takes place at the same time as the earth's own oceans, seas, and freshwater areas grow increasingly polluted, and their life forms are largely unknown or misunderstood.

Many of the earth's habitats, animals, plants, insects, and even microorganisms that we know of as rare or endangered, may not be known at all by future generations. We have the capacity, and the responsibility. We must act before it is too late.

First of all, I always think that it is very important to consider oneself as one human being or one member of a big human family. Because every human is basically the same irrespective of culture, religion, country or race. It means everyone has the right to be a happy person and the right to overcome suffering. After all, the purpose of our very life, I consider, is happiness. This is our birthright.

Then, because of the changing situation today, the realisation of oneness of all human beings is now very relevant. In ancient times, if you had that kind of perspective, good. If not, it did not matter quite so much. But now, today, in reality, whether we like it or not, every crisis is essentially linked to a global crisis. So talking about my nation, my continent, my family, my religion, my tradition is out of date. Therefore, there is really an urgent need to have a sense of Universal Responsibility and change of our Inner Environment.

MORE WONDERFUL QUOTES FROM THE DALAI LAMA

The Dalai Lama is a massive force for GOOD in this troubled world of ours. If only people realised that COMPASSION, KINDNESS, CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS and CARING bring HAPPINESS

HATE, PRIDE, IGNORANCE  (I am right, you are wrong - My religion or beliefs are the only ones that are right - everyone else is wrong) , CAUSING HARM TO ANYONE OR ANY LIVING CREATURE, JEALOUSY, OVERT DESIRE - They all bring SUFFERING

Enjoy these wonderful thought provoking quotes - that bring peace and happiness to us all

Never cause harm to others - that includes animals and all living creatures