Biography
Jack DeJohnette's New Directions was a pioneering jazz supergroup formed in 1978 by drummer and pianist Jack DeJohnette, one of the most influential figures in modern jazz. Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette had already established himself as a versatile musician, working with legends such as Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, and Keith Jarrett before assembling New Directions. The group was conceived as a synthesis of DeJohnette's diverse musical experiences, bringing together musicians from different backgrounds to explore the boundaries of jazz fusion and free jazz.
The original lineup of New Directions featured trumpeter Lester Bowie (of the Art Ensemble of Chicago), bassist Eddie Gomez (noted for his work with Bill Evans and Chick Corea), and guitarist John Abercrombie (an ECM mainstay with roots in jazz-rock fusion). This ensemble was notable for its eclecticism and improvisational spirit, blending ambient textures, avant-garde experimentation, and lyrical interplay. Their self-titled debut album, recorded in Oslo and released by ECM in 1978, was critically acclaimed and won France’s Prix du Jazz Contemporain de L’Academie Charles Cros. New Directions captured DeJohnette’s vision of jazz as a constantly evolving art form, where strong individual voices could merge into a unified, exploratory soundscape.
Though the group was relatively short-lived, New Directions left a lasting legacy in jazz, exemplifying the creative possibilities of cross-genre collaboration and collective improvisation. The band’s music is often described as dreamlike and atmospheric, with a unique chemistry that reflected the 'unlikely cast' DeJohnette assembled. Their work continues to be celebrated for its adventurous spirit and its role in shaping the direction of late 20th-century jazz.
Fun Facts
- New Directions was conceived as a 'cast of unlikely characters,' intentionally blending musicians from different jazz traditions to create a unique group chemistry.
- The group's 1978 debut album was recorded in Oslo, Norway, and won the prestigious Prix du Jazz Contemporain de L’Academie Charles Cros in France.
- Jack DeJohnette is not only an acclaimed drummer but also a skilled pianist, and he often played both instruments in his various ensembles.
- DeJohnette's New Directions is sometimes described as 'ambient jazz' for its dreamlike, atmospheric sound—a departure from more traditional jazz forms.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ahmad Jamal Trio (Vernel Fournier) - Major inspiration for DeJohnette's approach to trio improvisation and drumming (Influence on DeJohnette's trio work, including with Keith Jarrett) [1950s-1960s (influence), 1980s onward (trio work)]
- Muhal Richard Abrams - Early collaborator and AACM founder, shaped DeJohnette's avant-garde sensibilities (Chicago avant-garde scene) [early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Lester Bowie - Trumpeter in New Directions; also collaborated on the duo album 'Zebra' (New Directions (1978), Zebra) [1978-1980s]
- Eddie Gomez - Bassist in New Directions; known for work with Bill Evans and Chick Corea (New Directions (1978)) [1978]
- John Abercrombie - Guitarist in New Directions; frequent collaborator in Directions, Gateway trio, and other ECM projects (New Directions, Directions, Gateway, Timeless) [1970s-1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Brian Blade - Cites DeJohnette as a major influence on his drumming style and approach to jazz improvisation (Brian Blade Fellowship) [1990s-present]
- Antonio Sanchez - Inspired by DeJohnette's fusion of jazz, improvisation, and world music elements (Migration, Pat Metheny Group) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| New Directions | 1978-04-01 | Album |
| In Europe | 1980-09-01 | Album |
| Selected Recordings | 2004-01-26 | Album |
| Works | 1988-09-19 | Album |
| Works | 1985-04-01 | Album |
| In Europe | 1980-09-01 | Album |
| New Directions | 1978-04-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Bayou Fever (New Directions)
- Silver Hollow (New Directions)
- Where Or Wayne (New Directions)
- Dream Stalker (New Directions)
- One Handed Woman (New Directions)
- Bayou Fever (Works)
- Salsa For Eddie G. (In Europe)
- Where Or Wayne (In Europe)
- Bayou Fever (In Europe)
- Silver Hollow (Selected Recordings IX - XX)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jack DeJohnette's New Direction has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2025 | 16:23 | New Musefrom Sound Travels | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Oct 31, 2025 | 06:18 | The Rock Thingfrom Sorcery | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 08:45 | Salsa For Eddie G.from In Europe | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 08:40 | Epilogfrom Sorcery | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 08:21 | The Rock Thingfrom Sorcery | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 08:07 | Sound Travelsfrom Sound Travels | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 08:04 | Four Levels Of Joyfrom Sorcery | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 07:23 | Mirror Imagefrom The DeJohnette Complex | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 07:15 | Bayou Feverfrom New Directions | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |