Though some jazz critics couldn't forgive his mainstream popularity, Brubeck and his talented quartet traversed the globe for the US State Department, playing for queens, presidents, and tribal chiefs, and brought a classical elegance and freeing sense of time to jazz that remains unmatched. As the fleet-fingered pianist turns 90, Columbia Records honors him with a two-CD set, "Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend." Its 21 tracks were handpicked by Brubeck and they spotlight an ever-evolving musician surrounded by outstanding talent in tenor sax man Paul Desmond and virtuoso drummer Joe Morello.
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