TAKE FIVE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Take Five" was composed by Paul Desmond and recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959, releasing commercially in 1961. The first recording session took place on July 1, 1959, at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City, featuring Desmond on alto saxophone, Brubeck on piano, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums.

The piece has since become one of the most recognizable jazz recordings in history, inspiring covers by Al Jarreau, Carmen McRae, and countless instrumental groups. Although largely instrumental, its theme communicates a cool, urbane mood, built around a distinctive 5/4 meter that was unusual in mainstream jazz at the time. Its structure relies on a repeating vamp, a memorable saxophone line, and an extended drum feature that showcases the rhythmic innovations central to the Brubeck Quartet’s work.