Search - Jack Dejohnette :: New Directions in Europe

DeJohnette's Best Band

John Simley | Bentonville, Arkansas, United States | 10/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's rare to hear a truly musical drum solo, and even rarer for one to be a three-minute introduction. But that is what opens "Salsa For Eddie G." DeJohnette's playing is smooth, colorful and sympathetic to the other players, particularly Eddie Gomez, who displays great wit in his playing, with beautiful tone and speedy little blasts of notes. John Abercrombie features a strange instrument on this recording, a mandolin guitar (more like a tiny 4-string Stratocaster) that confines his playing to simple chords, and the effect is great. Lester Bowie stands out here with his unusual style, alternating full-bodied notes with percussive pops and warbling howls. Where or Wayne glides between tense and more relaxed passages, with Abercrombie giving it a very smooth texture. This song seems to have ended the performance, as DeJohnette introduces the band during the final coda, without a microphone. And the audience goes nuts. The best song on this record is the 18-minute "Bayou Fever," which opens with a stunningly beautiful introduction by DeJohnette on the piano. Joined by Gomez, it becomes a duet with bass. And Gomez holds the playing while DeJohnette walks to the drumset. Listen carefully, and you can hear stage banter between the players, encouraging and sometimes chiding each other. "Multo Spiliagio" (Italian for "very scattered") is an improvisation that we never hear the end of, because it fades out. This band, which made only this live record and a studio recording, surely had more to offer. The chemistry of the personalities and the performance makes it highly memorable. But it's not for everyone, and it takes about five listenings to really understand what the players are expressing. Recorded in Switzerland in 1979 before a small but audibly enthralled audience. And their enthusiasm is infectious."

Everything Jack Does Is Right

K. Shedd | 03/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is just as amazing as all of the other recordings Jack has made. The music in which he creates behind a set of drum is unbelieveable. I am 16 years old and play drums myself. I highly recommend any of Jack's music. He has been a great inspiration to me, and so many other musicians I know. This is a great work of art to pick up. Oh, and if you ever get a chance to see this guy perform live, that's just the tops."