Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet,

Time Out(1959), Track 3,

The track, composed by alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, features an unusual 5/4 time signature that initially proved challenging for the band to record. After a failed 40-minute session, the quartet returned a week later to successfully capture the now-famous version. “Take Five” showcased Brubeck’s interest in unconventional time signatures, inspired by his 1958 State Department-sponsored tour of Eurasia. Despite initial resistance from Columbia Records, the song’s parent album “Time Out” was released in 1960 and quickly sold out. “Take Five” became a sleeper hit in 1961, reaching impressive chart positions and breaking sales records for jazz singles.