The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Blue Rondo à la Turk | Wacky Wednesday

In the 1st edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “Blue Rondo à la Turk” performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  So, with the background established, in the 1^st edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “Blue Rondo à la Turk” performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

1-2, 1-2, 1-2, 1-2-3… 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3… Say What?! Why am I counting, you ask?! I am counting because, in The Dave Brubeck Quartet classic, “Blue Rondo à la Turk”, counting is imperative.  Not to bombard or bore you with music theory, but the most common meter in music is common time, aka 4/4 – beats are grouped in sets of four: 1-2-3-4.  The prevalence of common time applies to jazz music too.  However, The Dave Brubeck Quartet went against the grain throughout the multiplatinum, innovative 1959 masterpiece, Time Out.  The time – rather, the time signatures – are all over the map.  That’s part of the charm and brilliance of the historically important LP.  Focusing on the opener from the cool jazz tour de force, penned by pianist Dave Brubeck (1920 – 2012), the head is set in 9/8 meter.  In phrases comprised of four measures, which each containing nine beats, three measures have an unusual grouping of beats (2+2+2+3) with the final measure featuring the standard grouping within the time signature (3+3+3).  That is mind-blowing, particularly if you are not a music theory nerd like me.

The oddness of the time is not limited to the four-measure phrase of the head described above (I’ll refrain from expounding on the duplet rhythms, but they are hella cool).  “Blue Rondo à la Turk” swings too, shifting to common time as well.  During the improvisatory sections – an alto saxophone solo by Paul Desmond (1924 – 1977), and a piano solo by Brubeck – the common time remains tried and true.  However, leading into the solos, the quartet ‘plays around,’ offering a four-measure phrase composed of two measures of four (1-2-3-4), and two measures of nine (2+2+2+3) using the signature riff from the head. As complex and nerdy as “Blue Rondo à la Turk” sounds from a musical perspective, it is much easier on the ears. Desmond masterfully and nimbly carries the melody, save for one unforgettable cracked note that adds to the charm of the recording. Brubeck impresses with his skillful piano skills, with chordal and rhythmic, individual lines. His solo is equally bluesy and sophisticated. Joe Morello (1928 – 2011) ‘holds it all together’ on the drums which is a tall task considering the many groove changes.  Similarly, Eugene Wright (1923 – 2020) provides a sensational bass line, with ample pedal point, as well as a standard walking bass line during the swinging, common time section.  Both difficult and exciting to analyze and describe the nearly seven-minute masterpiece that is “Blue Rondo à la Turk” is best experienced and enjoyed by simply listening. Wacky excellence!

The Dave Brubeck Quartet // Time Out // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 1959

The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Blue Rondo à la Turk: Wacky Wednesday No. 1 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony BMG Music Entertainment; Rich The Barber Font from Font Space; Wendel Natan from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]