In 2003, journalist Philip Clark was granted unparalleled access to Dave Brubeck, and he spent ten days shadowing the jazz legend on a British tour. Along the way, Brubeck opened up about his unique approach to jazz, the heady days of his classic quartet in the 1950s-60s, and the many controversies that had dogged his seven-decade career. Clark unearths the secret history of "Take Five," looks back on Brubeck's early career, and offers details about the pianist's creative relationship with his star saxophonist, Paul Desmond. Woven throughout are cameo appearances from a diverse crop of fans, including Sting, John Cage, Leonard Bernstein, Harry Partch, Edgard Varèse, and Ray Manzarek of the Doors.