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Iconic American jazz ensemble renowned for innovative time signatures and sophisticated cool jazz style. Formed in 1951 by pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. Achieved massive mainstream success with the 1959 album 'Time Out', featuring the hit 'Take Five'. Known for complex rhythms, contrapuntal interplay, and integration during segregation. Disbanded in 1967.

• The Quartet featured one of the first racially integrated lineups in modern jazz, with African American bassist Eugene Wright, at a time when this was highly controversial in the US.
• Their groundbreaking album 'Time Out' (1959) was the first jazz LP to sell over a million copies, driven by Paul Desmond's composition 'Take Five' in 5/4 time, which became a surprise pop hit.
• The group undertook a groundbreaking State Department-sponsored tour in 1958, playing in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and India, exposing them to global rhythms that influenced later works like 'Blue Rondo à la Turk' (in 9/8 time).
• Despite their immense popularity and critical acclaim, some purists initially criticized them for being too accessible or intellectual.
• Brubeck nearly broke up the band in 1960 when Southern concert promoters demanded Wright not perform on stage; Brubeck refused and canceled the tour dates.