This is the most optimistic version of this song I've heard. I love Brubeck and Desmond, but I don't think they conveyed the emotion this song intends.
No, but Brubeck was quite used to taking songs and giving them a totally different feeling than the original...listen to what he does to Someday my Prince Will Come, for example. That was one of his many talents.
When I was in college (72-80), I went to a concert to hear Brubeck. I was overcome with awe at the group's tight sound and impressive leads. This is an example of what I heard that night, a wonderful rendition of a song from a time period that caused great depression and loss. They play the more upbeat section representing patriotism, God and apple pie, impressively.
BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME(Harburg-Gorney) from:Dave Brubeck Quartet:”Brubeck Time”. EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! with this music of Dave & Paul I started to learn alto and I play until now (I am 70). 100% jazz!!!