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Dave Brubeck Dave Brubeck, born on December 6, 1920, in Concord, California, was a pioneering jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to rhythm and harmony. Brubeck's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most influential figures in jazz music. Brubeck's early musical influences included classical music and the jazz of musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He began studying piano at a young age and continued his musical education at the College of the Pacific in California, where he studied composition and theory. In the 1950s, Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which quickly became one of the most popular jazz groups of the decade. The quartet, featuring Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums, was known for its innovative use of odd time signatures and complex harmonies. One of Brubeck's most famous compositions is "Take Five," a jazz standard written in the unusual time signature of 5/4. The song, featuring a memorable saxophone melody by Paul Desmond, became a huge hit and remains one of the best-known jazz recordings of all time. Brubeck's music was characterized by its melodic inventiveness, rhythmic complexity, and innovative use of harmony. He was known for his ability to blend elements of classical music with jazz, creating a unique and distinctive sound that set him apart from his contemporaries. In addition to his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Brubeck also composed music for orchestras, ballets, and choruses. He was a prolific composer, writing hundreds of pieces in a variety of styles, including jazz, classical, and sacred music. Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5, 2012, one day before his 92nd birthday. His innovative approach to jazz music and his unique musical voice continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest jazz pianists and composers of all time.