5 Things to Know About Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’ and Time Out

“Take Five” made 5/4 time famous in jazz. The track, written by Paul Desmond, became a surprise hit and remains the best-selling jazz single of all time.

The album Time Out explores unusual time signatures throughout. “Blue Rondo à la Turk” is in 9/8 time, and other tracks use 3/4, 4/4, and 6/4.

The album was a commercial risk for Columbia Records. Brubeck insisted on releasing it despite label concerns that odd meters would alienate listeners.

“Take Five” was not written by Brubeck himself. Saxophonist Paul Desmond composed the melody, while Brubeck contributed the distinctive piano vamp.

Time Out was the first jazz album to sell over one million copies. Its success proved that experimental rhythms could appeal to mainstream audiences.