To live to the age of 91 is an admirable accomplishment, and we must accept that all our jazz mentors will one day pass. But, Brubeck's passing (one day short of his 92nd birthday), especially at this time of year, is significant for me. I can't think of a time when I was first learning about jazz that there wasn't a Dave Brubeck. He was a giant in his art form, and like Bill Evans, had a style that was all his own. Just listen to this version of "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and tell me you don't hear that joyous quartet synergy that exists in every one of his recordings. Somewhere in Manhattan (or Paris) Woody Allen is having a moment to himself.
