Dave Brubeck described this album as a "jazz interpretation" of Miró's painting used in first cover and as inspiration ties into a tradition of connecting visual art and jazz.
The album did well commercially: it reached #8 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., the single "Unsquare Dance" reached #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, Critics often view this as a strong follow-up to "Time Out", because it continues experimentation but with new textures, meters, and moods.
Brubeck conceived of it as a kind of musical reflection of abstract art by structuring the album around increasing time-signature complexity (3/4 up to 9/8), He further pushed beyond what was common in jazz at the time for an exercise in how changing meter affects mood, feel, improvisation.
Each piece is a standalone experiment, inspired by rhythms Brubeck heard while touring internationally. Released: November 1961, the album was recorded over two sessions in May and June 1961 at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York City with the sessions featured the "classic" lineup of the quartet, known for their cohesive sound and innovative approach to jazz.
Track Listing
It's a Raggy Waltz Bluette Charles Matthew Hallelujah Far More Blue Far More Drums Maori Blues Unsquare Dance Bru's Boogie Woogie Blue Shadows in the Street
