By Royal Barnard
posted
Dec 13, 2012
Several years ago The Mountain Times had the pleasure of hosting
one of my favorite musicians at the Paramount Theatre. I first
became aware of him as a student at Kent State University while
listening to WNOB FM from Cleveland.
I had put together an early stereo FM receiver and distinctly
remember his original version of "Take Five" in full fidelity and
it knocked me over. I immediately rand out and purchased his first
album and over the years came to love all of his music.
When I finally met him in person at the Paramount I came to know
him, not only as a great musician, but as a warm and wonderful
human being. He played an entire full length concert at age 86 and
found plenty of time and energy after the show to mix with the
promoters and well wishers.
Nobody did more for jazz and the advancement of great American
music than Dave Brubeck. I will be forever disappointed that we
didn't get him back in Rutland for an encore performance, but I am
happy to say I have a great amount of his music in my audio
library... and I will never lose my love of hearing them.
