Joe Morello . One of the most famous drummers in jazz history and a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The greatest success of the group was “Take Five” from his album Time Out of 1959 , an improvised piece for piano, saxophone, bass and drums which included one unforgettable Morello. Joe pioneered odd beats and a vital part of the ‘Time’ series that the quartet recorded with Columbia Records. Morello appeared on more than 120 albums. Half of them were from the Dave Brubeck Quartet.
Summary
[ hide ]
- 1 Biography
- 1 Boston Symphony Orchestra
- 2 Brubeck Quartet
- 3 The artist dies
- 2 Sources
Biography
Morello grew up in Springfield , Massachusetts , where he learned to play the violin. His musical talent was quickly recognized as a child. But as a teenager he switched to drums and proved to have the same talent.
One of the greatest jazz drummers of all time, Joe redefined the sound of modern drums. His articulate punch, fluidity in his irregular bars, and his musical solos elevated the drummer’s role to new heights. Not surprisingly, he appeared for over 120 albums, 60 solos with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Joe began his musical studies with the violin.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Surprisingly, at the age of 9 years he participated as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of Boston in Mendelsohn ‘s Violin Concerto, and for 12 years he had already made his second solo appearance with the orchestra. It wasn’t until he was 15 that Joe changed the course of his training and began studying drums. Studying with Springfield drummer Joe Sefick, Morello soon gained recognition as the best Springfield drummer and was a New England rudiments champion. This only caused Joe to study more and more to play more and more, and he soon found himself on tour with numerous artists, the most notorious Hank Garland and Whitey Bernard.. It was with Bernard that Joe finally left Springfield for New York , which turned out to be a good decision.
Brubeck Quartet
In New York , Morello played with an impressive cast of musicians: Gil Melle , Johnny Smith , Tal Farlow , Jimmy Raney , Stan Kenton, and Marian McPartland , to name a few. He even declined offers from Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey . But when the offer came in to play a two-month tour with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Joe accepted. The rest is history, two years turned into twelve and a half years, 60 albums and multiple awards. In 1968, the quartet disintegrated and Joe returned his attention to education by being a notable private teacher and contributing significantly to education not to mention his contribution to the entire jazz area through clinics, lectures, and guest solo appearances. In later years, Joe also played with his own band in New York . Joe’s amazing career has many accomplishments to mention here. He appeared on more than 120 albums, 60 of them with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He won the Downbeat magazine Best Drummer award for five consecutive years, the Playboy award for seven consecutive years and he is the only drummer to win any music poll for five consecutive years, including in Japan , England ,Europe , Australia and South America . Revered by fans and musicians alike, Joe is considered one of the best and most celebrated drummers in jazz history. Joe’s impact on the world of music and the lives of those who knew him will last forever. He will always be a legend among legends.
The artist dies
At 82, jazz player Joe Morello, who was an integral part of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, passed away at his home in northern New Jersey . Brubeck said the loss of his friend shocked him:
Many people consider the rhythm section of Eugene Wright (bass) and Joe Morello (drums) in my quartet to be one of the most solid in jazz. Drummers around the world remember Joe as one of the greatest drummers we’ve ever met.
Dave Brubeck, statement emailed to the Associated Press
Morello’s decision to join Brubeck’s quartet in 1965 paved the way for the bandleader to experiment with unusual rhythms on a series of groundbreaking albums called “Time,” released in the late 1950s and early 1950s. in 1960 , that earned him the recognition of the public and critics.
