Why Is Take Five Cool Jazz

Much of it was due to Desmond and his smooth, dry sound on the sax. While other saxophone players were playing fast and brash, Desmond chose to lay back and play sweetly. Players like him helped develop what became known as “cool jazz” or the “West Coast sound.”

Is Take Five modal jazz?

“Take Five” was the third track on the album Time Out, recorded in 1959. That was the year Miles Davis and Gil Evans introduced the jazz audience to modal music with the landmark album Kind of Blue, John Coltrane released Giant Steps and Art Farmer and Benny Golson formed their first jazztet.

Why is take 5 so good?

“Take Five” was not only the Quartet’s biggest hit, it is still the biggest jazz single in history. Desmond’s tune, and his sound, epitomize the ice-smooth and pungent spice of his talent. He likened his own playing to a dry martini, and there’s never been a better description.