The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Tuesday, May 5

TL;DR

The article reflects on the legacy of jazz musician Dave Brubeck, highlighting his unique style and popularity in the 1950s. It contrasts his 'cool jazz' approach with the grittier bebop style of East Coast musicians.

Key points

Dave Brubeck was a prominent jazz musician and composer.
His style is often categorized as 'cool jazz'.
Brubeck's music contrasts with the bebop style of East Coast jazz musicians.

American jazz musician and composer Dave Brubeck (1920 - 2012) onstage during a concert at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park Bandshell, New York, New York, August 5, 2007. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hi, Hoddlers! Did you enjoy your Star Wars Day yesterday? Well, it turns out there was another reason to celebrate yesterday (and no, I’m not talking about the anniversary of the Kent State University massacre).

A number of years ago I fell down a jazz hole, and it’s one I have yet to crawl out of because I like it in this hole. I know Dave Brubeck gets scoffed at quite a bit by jazzheads — Brubeck himself is a genius and his partner Paul Desmond were wildly popular… but on the west coast, and mostly among white jazz fans. His music is undoubtedly catchy and fun, but it had (and still has in some circles) the reputation of being “safe” jazz, math music for nice white people, “cool jazz”. Like others in his era (it WAS the 1950s) some of his music choices skewed awfully close to the, uh uncomfortable, especially his jazz inspired by Japanese music and culture.

There was definitely a distinction between what Brubeck and guys like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, and others were doingout west compared to the grittier, sometimes nastier bebop on the east coast by players like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and others (though there was a hardcore hardbob school in California too). Not that’s BAD. Far from it. And while I gravitate towards the East Coast school I do love me some cool jazz, especially Brubeck. So a day after his Day, let’s give Dave and Paul a little love.

Song of the Day: “Indiana” by Dave Brubeck Quartet

Your Tottenham Hotspur links of the Day

Manchester City’s chaotic last-gasp draw against Everton was fun, but it probably cost them the title. (BBC)
Luka Vuskovic (and some guy named Karry Hane) has been named a finalist for Bundesliga Player of the Year (Bundesliga.com
Roberto De Zerbi says the “courage” of the team means more than the points (he’s wrong, the points are everything) (The Guardian)
Hearts of Midlothian are one step closer to a historic SPL title with a recent win over Mikey Moore’s Rangers (The Times)

Q&A

What is Dave Brubeck known for in jazz music?

Dave Brubeck is known for his contributions to 'cool jazz' and his popular compositions that blend complex rhythms with catchy melodies.

How did Dave Brubeck's style differ from East Coast jazz musicians?

Brubeck's style is characterized as 'safe' and melodic, contrasting with the more intense and gritty bebop style of East Coast musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

What impact did Dave Brubeck have on jazz music in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, Brubeck popularized jazz among wider audiences, particularly on the West Coast, making significant contributions to the genre's mainstream appeal.