Unsqaure Dance - Dave Brubeck

An example of the rhythm used in «Unsquare Dance""Unsquare Dance»

is an iconic musical piece written by the American jazz composer Dave Brubeck

in 1961.

Written in 7/4 time, the piece is a typical example of Brubeck’s exploration of

time signatures.

According to Brubeck, it was written during a single trip from

his home to the recording studio, and was recorded the very same day.

Based on a Blues form, the piece is driven by a strong bass figure,

with percussion provided primarily by the rim of the snare drum and hand claps.

It combines duple and triple meter.

Sample from «Unsquare Dance"by The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Third measure with initial theme development (time 0:22 to 0:34).

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The piano enters with descending phrases crossing the 7/4 rhythm.

The main theme then develops initially without left accompaniment and then

with a characteristic figure based around the use of tenths.

A drum solo using

rim shots follows, then a restatement of the theme and a distinctive conclusion.

The band’s laughter at the end of the piece illustrates the spontaneity of the

recording and the camaraderie of the band.

According to one music teacher, «Brubeck calls it 'Unsquare Dance' and it ends with 'Turkey in the Straw' which

is as 'square' as you can get!"At the very end, right after referencing «Turkey in the Straw», the song cleverly «es the well known musical couplet

known in some circles as shave and a haircut… two bits, with the last note

being the seventh in the measure.

«Unsquare Dance"was initially included on the album Time Further Out,

and even became a hit single, peaking at #74 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Brubeck has since arranged the piece for orchestra.

Although it is rarely

covered, Brubeck has recently endorsed an arrangement and recording by British

pianist and composer Paddy Milner.