Jack DeJohnette's Directions

Biography

Jack DeJohnette's Directions was a pioneering jazz fusion group formed in the mid-1970s by drummer, pianist, and composer Jack DeJohnette, one of the most inventive and influential percussionists in modern jazz. Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette began his musical journey as a classical pianist before shifting his focus to drums in his late teens, drawing early inspiration from jazz luminaries such as Ahmad Jamal. After significant early experiences with John Coltrane and the Charles Lloyd Quartet, DeJohnette became a key figure in Miles Davis's first fusion band, contributing to the groundbreaking 'Bitches Brew' sessions and helping to shape the sound of jazz-rock fusion.[1][3][4]

Following his tenure with Davis, DeJohnette launched several groups as a leader, with Directions emerging as his most eclectic and avant-garde ensemble. The original lineup featured bassist Mike Richmond, guitarist John Abercrombie, and saxophonist Alex Foster, blending free jazz, fusion, and experimental sounds. Directions recorded several albums for ECM Records, later evolving into New Directions with Eddie Gomez and Lester Bowie joining the group. The band's music was marked by its adventurous spirit, fluid interplay, and DeJohnette's distinctive approach to rhythm and color, which drew from his background as both a pianist and drummer.[1][2][3]

Directions, along with DeJohnette's other ensembles, played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of jazz during the 1970s and 1980s, influencing generations of musicians with their innovative fusion of genres and improvisational freedom. DeJohnette's legacy as a bandleader, collaborator, and stylistic innovator remains central to the evolution of modern jazz.[1][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Jack DeJohnette originally trained as a classical pianist before switching to drums in his late teens, a background that deeply influenced his melodic approach to drumming.[1]
• Directions was one of the first jazz groups to blend free improvisation with structured forms, balancing creative freedom with compositional discipline.[2]
• The Directions lineup evolved into New Directions, which included legendary trumpeter Lester Bowie and bassist Eddie Gomez, reflecting DeJohnette's constant search for new sounds and collaborations.[1][2]
• DeJohnette's work with Directions and other ECM projects helped define the label's signature sound, characterized by spaciousness, clarity, and adventurous improvisation.[3]

Members

• John Abercrombie - electric guitar
• Jack DeJohnette - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ahmad Jamal - Early inspiration for DeJohnette's musical approach, especially in trio settings and improvisation. (Influence evident throughout DeJohnette's career, particularly in his melodic drumming.) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• John Abercrombie - Guitarist in Directions and later New Directions; also collaborated in the Gateway trio. (Directions albums (ECM), Gateway trio recordings) [1970s-1980s]
• Mike Richmond - Original bassist in Directions. (Directions albums (ECM)) [mid-1970s]
• Alex Foster - Original saxophonist in Directions. (Directions albums (ECM)) [mid-1970s]
• Eddie Gomez - Bassist in New Directions, successor to Directions. (New Directions albums (ECM)) [late 1970s]
• Lester Bowie - Trumpeter in New Directions and collaborator on duo album 'Zebra.' (New Directions albums (ECM), 'Zebra' (duo album)) [late 1970s-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Brian Blade - Cited DeJohnette's approach to rhythm and color as a major influence on his own drumming style. (Blade's work with Wayne Shorter Quartet and Fellowship Band) [1990s-present]
• Antonio Sanchez - Inspired by DeJohnette's fusion of jazz and rock elements and his improvisational freedom. (Sanchez's work with Pat Metheny Group) [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Minya's The Mooch (New Rags)
2. Flys (New Rags)
3. Flying Spirits (Untitled)
4. Fantastic (Untitled)
5. Morning Star (Untitled)
6. Lydia (New Rags)
7. Steppin' Thru (New Rags)
8. Pansori Visions (Untitled)
9. The Vikings Are Coming (Untitled)
10. Struttin (Untitled)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz