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 through collaborations with legends such as Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, and Charles Lloyd before forming New Directions. The group was conceived as a synthesis of DeJohnette's diverse musical experiences, bringing together musicians from different backgrounds to explore new sonic territories.
The original lineup featured trumpeter Lester Bowie (of the Art Ensemble of Chicago), guitarist John Abercrombie (known for his work with ECM and the Gateway trio), and bassist Eddie Gómez (renowned for his tenure with the Bill Evans Trio). Their 1978 self-titled album, recorded in Oslo and released on ECM, showcased a blend of free jazz, jazz fusion, and ambient jazz, characterized by spacious improvisations and a dreamlike quality. The band's chemistry and experimental approach earned critical acclaim, including France’s Prix du Jazz Contemporain de L’Academie Charles Cros, and the album remains a favorite among DeJohnette's ECM recordings.
New Directions was notable for its ability to merge the avant-garde with lyrical sensibilities, reflecting DeJohnette's vision of uniting 'unlikely characters' to create music that was both challenging and accessible. Though the group was relatively short-lived, its influence on the jazz fusion and free jazz scenes was significant, and it stands as a testament to DeJohnette's role as a connector and innovator in the jazz world.
Fun Facts
- The album 'New Directions' was recorded in Oslo, Norway, at the famed Talent Studio, a favorite location for ECM recordings.
- Jack DeJohnette described the band as a 'cast of unlikely characters,' emphasizing the group's diversity and experimental spirit.
- The album won France’s prestigious Prix du Jazz Contemporain de L’Academie Charles Cros in 1978.
- DeJohnette considers 'New Directions' one of his personal favorite recordings for ECM, alongside his work with Gateway and Special Edition.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ahmad Jamal Trio (with Vernel Fournier) - Major stylistic influence on DeJohnette's drumming and approach to trio interplay (Inspired DeJohnette's work with Keith Jarrett Trio and his own ensembles) [1950s-1960s (influence), ongoing]
- Muhal Richard Abrams - Early collaborator and member of AACM; influenced DeJohnette's avant-garde sensibilities (Chicago avant-garde scene) [Early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Lester Bowie - Trumpeter in New Directions; brought experimental AACM influence (New Directions (1978), New Directions In Europe (1979)) [1978-1979]
- John Abercrombie - Guitarist in New Directions and previous Directions band; frequent ECM collaborator (New Directions, Directions, Gateway trio) [1975-1979 (Directions/New Directions), 1970s-1980s (Gateway)]
- Eddie Gómez - Bassist in New Directions; previously with Bill Evans Trio (New Directions (1978), New Directions In Europe (1979)) [1978-1979]
Artists Influenced
- ECM label artists (e.g., John Abercrombie, Dave Holland) - Helped shape the ECM sound and approach to jazz fusion and free jazz (Gateway, various ECM projects) [Late 1970s onward]
- Modern jazz drummers - DeJohnette's innovative drumming and bandleading inspired a generation of jazz musicians (Influence seen in contemporary jazz fusion and free jazz recordings) [1980s-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 Directions 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 |