Someday My Prince Will Come

This live compilation contains tracks from at least three separate concerts, all taped without authorization as Brubeck was exclusively a Columbia artist during this time frame. "Some Day My Prince Will Come," a Disney-associated tune that Brubeck introduced to the jazz world, fares well here, with the pianist only lightly comping behind Paul Desmond's alto sax solo; while Brubeck's dramatic "Forty Days" is as formidable as any of its commercial recordings. "Summer Song" is actually the beautiful Brubeck ballad "Softly, William, Softly." Several tracks from the Take Five Live CD are repeated here, complete with their incorrect titles and poor sound. The one track featuring Gerry Mulligan likely comes from a 1968 appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; though it is marred by feedback from the on-stage monitors, it is worth hearing. The sound defects keep this from being an essential CD for anyone except the most ardent Brubeck fan. ~ Ken Dryden|