Dave Brubeck messes with time

[KingGhidorah]

@Slant

In terms of “odd” meters, this piece is not really…odd. It’s really a pretty strict 4/4 meter followed by a strict 3/4, both phrases being clearly defined, distinct and simple. To write it out one would use “7/4” for convenience, simplicity and readability, but it could, if one were brutal to oneself, be written to switch back and forth from 4 to 3, over and over.

Combining time signatures like this (or Pink Floyd in Money) doesn’t really lead to brutality, but mixing actual rhythms would. Playing 7 beats to a measure against 4 to a measure, now that’s messing with time. But then each dancer could choose to dance to one rhythm or the other, and it might make for a pretty cool piece.