Dave Brubeck and the Face of God
15. Jan, 2010 
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Each year I make it a point to watch the Kennedy Center Honors which take place in December and are broadcast a couple of weeks after the ceremony. I always learn something and each time I enjoy the tributes paid to the artists in words and performances. It’s a moving thing to see people honored for their work. The recipients are usually flanked by family and tears and smiles flow freely.
Among the honorees this year was one of jazz music’s most celebrated composers and pianists, Dave Brubeck. You can review some history on Brubeck here. You can also visit lala.com, type in his name and listen to a wide range of his work. His most well know piece is “Take Five” penned with his long time collaborator, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond.
So why Brubeck and the face of God? Well, let me set this up a bit. For as long as I remember now I have thought of God the Father as one who takes delight in His children. We who have been made sons and daughters of God by virtue of Christ’s work are a joy to God’s heart! My children are grown now but I remember clearly the early days in each of their lives when the intense desire to please was so evident. “Daddy watch! Daddy look!’ At ball fields, swiming pools, school assemblies and the front door it was their delight to show off and my joy to recognize them. I trust that more often than not they saw the light in my eyes and the deep love I held for them. As a worshiper, I often feel that the same scene is being played out. Father look! Father listen! Here’s my song.. my words.. my heart.
As Brubeck was being honored at the Kennedy Center, the Dave Brubeck all-star quintet was introduced. The quintet, backed by the Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band, were spot on, playing a flawless rendition of “Take Five.” Then something amazing happened.
I’ve included the video of the performance below and you have to watch it to appreciate what happens. In the video (it’s HD, so let it load and enjoy) Dave smiles with appreciation and affirmation as the quintet and the Jazz Ambassadors play. After “Take Five” at the 3:00 mark in the video, they launch into “Blue Rondo à la Turk.” At 3:23 in the video the announcer says:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the four sons of Dave Brubeck.”
A panel slides away. The boys are playing along with the entire ensemble. Camera cuts to Dave Brubeck’s face. Now if you lip read you can tell Dave has a salty tongue but look at his face.
Tears come to my eyes. That look. That’s a Father’s look. That’s something the other guys, as good as they are, will never see. It’s reserved for his boys and it’s heart felt, deep, passionate, tender and proud. For the entire rest of the performance his engagement is elevated to a whole different level.
Dear worshiper, that is the look God reserves for you. Around the clock he is praised and magnified by hosts of angelic pros that never miss a beat, screw up the lyrics or sing off key. Does He smile? Is He expressionless? I don’t know. What I do know is that in the moment I saw Brubeck look at his sons, I felt in my heart, the Spirit saying “that’s how the Father looks at you.”
Your heart, your offering, your song, your words… filled with the discordant notes of sin and self, are transformed by the blood of Christ into something that fills the Father’s heart with joy and He invites you to come boldly into His presence. It’s the only look that matters, and it’s one of inexpressible love.
