Some of the players just couldn't sustain the strange time signature. They got lost!

at his Christmas piano recital. He’s the only kiddo in the studio that never chooses a Christmas themed piece for his recitals. He worked on it for months and it payed off. People loved it!

Paul Desmond, the great alto sax collaborator of Brubeck's, wrote the song and Dave's wife, Iola, wrote the lyrics.

Regardless, it's a wonderful song that allows for a great variety of interpretations and improvisations.

Good morning music, elleng. Thanks!

ETA: Let's hear it for Mr. Desmond! From Wikipedia:

Hubby bought it with his h.s. graduation $ in 1960 and it's still in great condition.
(Yep, he old. )

And I think the only sax player he liked more than Paul Desmond, was Stan Getz.
I heard Take 5 for the first time at around Age 5! That I remember, anyway.
Here's my favorite song by Dave & the guys. It's also in an odd time signature. It's in 9/8 time.