American jazz group led by pianist Dave Brubeck (1920-2012). Classic lineup: Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (alto saxophone, 1951-1967), Eugene Wright (bass, 1958-1968), and Joe Morello (drums, 1956-1968). Among the most commercially successful jazz acts of the 1950s and 1960s.
Released dozens of albums in the classic-quartet era. Critical and commercial peak: Time Out (1959), one of the best-selling jazz albums ever — featuring Desmond's composition "Take Five." The album popularized unusual time signatures in jazz (5/4, 9/8). The classic quartet disbanded in 1967; Brubeck continued with various lineups until his death in 2012.
