The album called "Jazz At Oberlin" was a turning point for Dave Brubeck who today (Dec. 6,2010) celebrates his 90th Birthday! When this record was issued by the small west coast independent,Fantasy and even Brubeck's most vituperative critics had to acknowledge the album's worth. It is just five tunes (all standards) from a concert that took place at the midwestern Oberlin College in Ohio on March 2,1953. Brubeck was just beginning to tour colleges with his Quartet and he succeeded in opening up a whole new market for Jazz. The concert at Oberlin was attended by mostly music students who had very little experience listening to Jazz. Brubeck changed all of that and you'll hear the audience reaction to the solos and various passages.The quartet is in blazing form with everyone at their best. Brubeck and alto saxophonist Paul Desmond excel and the rhythm section comprising two San Franciscans, bassist Ron Crotty and drummer Lloyd Davis. The playing on these five tunes surpasses any recorded performances by the Quartet up to this point. Brubeck was on his way and the following year (1954)Dave signed a lucrative contract with Columbia Records and the rest is history. Brubeck by this time became the most popular musician in Jazz and all of this happened before "Time Out" and "Take Five"!!!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Brubeck!

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