I learned of Dave's music when I tracked down the theme song used in "The Secret Life of Machines" (which was "Take Five"). I bought his album "Time out" that had that song on it and really enjoyed it. Then bought the Christmas Album. Sad to hear he has died, but glad he chose to share his music with us.
Time Out is a pretty unique jazz album that's often overlooked. Most jazz, like rock, is in 4/4 time (with the odd waltz-time tune to liven it up.) Not good enough for Dave Brubeck: Time Out has all kinds of weird compound time stuff going on. Take Five is in 5/4, which gives it its unusual vibe; Three to Get Ready gives you two bars of 3/4 and two of 4/4, alternating (which to me it feels a bit like a car on the verge of starting; I don't actually like that tune.) There's other stuff going on there too but it's been a while since I listened to it. Will dig it out again tonight in his honour.
Non jazz-heads wanting a similar experience could do worse than listen to Money, by Pink Floyd: 7/4 for the verses, then 4/4 for the solo.
Blue Rondo a la Turk is in 9/8 time. But unlike most 9/8 compositions which divide the nine beats into 3/3/3, it uses 2/2/2/3. And smoothly transitions into and out of a 4/4 drum solo in the middle!
If you want to get down with different meters and rhythm you need to check out: Dimi Mint Abba (album: Moorish Music from Mauritania), Afrocuba de Matanzas (find them playing a batarumba), Orchestre Poly-Rythmo (album: the vodoun effect). Lots of others, but those hit all sorts of territories taken together.
the amazing thing about his music is that it still sounds extremely contemporary, take five is the perfect example - david holmes does a better job of sounding "old"
I think I meant to reply to your comment, not the parent. The contemporary vibe comes in part from the unusual structures. It still sounds really fresh.
