♫ Jazzapedia

Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition

Biography

Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition was a pioneering jazz ensemble formed by the acclaimed Chicago-born drummer, pianist, and composer Jack DeJohnette in 1979. DeJohnette, already established as one of the most versatile and influential drummers in jazz, assembled Special Edition to explore the boundaries of free jazz, post-bop, and avant-garde styles. The group's debut album, 'Special Edition,' recorded in New York in March 1979 and released by ECM in 1980, featured a quartet with DeJohnette on drums, piano, and melodica, David Murray on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet, Arthur Blythe on alto saxophone, and Peter Warren on bass and cello[1][3][5]. The album won the Down Beat Readers’ Poll Album of the Year award and was lauded for its innovative compositions and dynamic interplay, including tributes to jazz legends Eric Dolphy and Zoot Sims, as well as interpretations of John Coltrane pieces[1][5].

Over the years, Special Edition underwent several personnel changes, with subsequent albums such as 'Tin Can Alley' (1981), 'Inflation Blues' (1983), and 'Album Album' (1984) showcasing new collaborators like Howard Johnson (tuba, baritone saxophone), John Purcell (alto and soprano saxophone), and Rufus Reid (bass)[4]. Despite these changes, the group maintained a consistent vision of creative improvisation and genre-blending, often spotlighting rising talents in the jazz world. DeJohnette's leadership and compositional skills allowed Special Edition to serve as both a platform for his own musical ideas and a launchpad for the careers of his bandmates[2][3].

Special Edition's legacy lies in its adventurous spirit and its role in shaping modern jazz, particularly in highlighting the talents of musicians who would go on to become major figures in the genre. The ensemble's recordings are celebrated for their energy, humor, and technical mastery, and they remain influential in the evolution of contemporary jazz, inspiring both listeners and future generations of musicians[2][3][5].

Fun Facts

  • Special Edition's debut album won the Down Beat Readers’ Poll Album of the Year award in 1980[5].
  • Jack DeJohnette played not only drums but also piano and melodica on Special Edition recordings[1][3].
  • The group paid tribute to jazz legends with tracks like 'One for Eric' (for Eric Dolphy) and 'Zoot Suite' (for Zoot Sims)[1][2].
  • Special Edition albums often featured covers of John Coltrane compositions, reflecting DeJohnette's deep admiration for Coltrane[1][5].

Members

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Miles Davis - DeJohnette was a sideman for Davis and absorbed his innovative approach to jazz fusion and improvisation. (Played on Davis's 'Bitches Brew' and other sessions.) [Late 1960s–early 1970s]
  • Bill Evans - DeJohnette played with Evans, learning from his lyrical and harmonic sensibilities. (Live at Montreux (1968)) [1968]
  • Charles Lloyd - DeJohnette was a member of Lloyd's famous 1960s quartet, gaining experience in modal and free jazz. (Forest Flower (1966)) [1966–1969]

Key Collaborators

  • David Murray - Key reed player in Special Edition, contributing tenor saxophone and bass clarinet. (Special Edition (1980), Album Album (1984)) [1979–1984]
  • Arthur Blythe - Alto saxophonist in the original Special Edition lineup, known for his expressive playing. (Special Edition (1980)) [1979–1980]
  • Peter Warren - Bassist and cellist in the original group, providing harmonic and rhythmic support. (Special Edition (1980)) [1979–1980]
  • Howard Johnson - Joined later versions of Special Edition, playing tuba and baritone saxophone. (Album Album (1984)) [1984]
  • John Purcell - Alto and soprano saxophonist in later Special Edition lineups. (Album Album (1984)) [1984]
  • Rufus Reid - Bass guitarist and double bassist in later Special Edition recordings. (Album Album (1984)) [1984]

Artists Influenced

  • David Murray - Special Edition helped launch Murray's career and exposed him to wider audiences. (Special Edition (1980), subsequent solo work) [1980s–present]
  • Arthur Blythe - Gained recognition through Special Edition, leading to a successful solo career. (Special Edition (1980), solo albums) [1980s–2017]
  • John Purcell - Developed his voice as a saxophonist through work with Special Edition. (Album Album (1984), later projects) [1980s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Special Edition 1980-01-01 Album
Album Album 1984-09-01 Album
Tin Can Alley 1981-04-27 Album
Special Edition 2012-11-30 Album
Selected Recordings 2004-01-26 Album
Works 1985-04-01 Album
Album Album 1984-09-01 Album
Tin Can Alley 1981-04-27 Album
Special Edition 1980-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. One For Eric (Special Edition)
  2. Central Park West (Special Edition)
  3. India (Special Edition)
  4. Ahmad The Terrible (Album Album)
  5. Zoot Suite - 1979 Recording (Special Edition)
  6. One For Eric (Special Edition)
  7. Monk's Mood (Album Album)
  8. New Orleans Strutt (Album Album)
  9. Third World Anthem (Album Album)
  10. Zoot Suite - 1982 Recording (Album Album)

Tags: #jazz

References

  1. allaboutjazz.com
  2. ecmreviews.com
  3. ecmrecords.com

Heard on WWOZ

Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Oct 31, 202516:23New Musefrom Sound TravelsJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell
Oct 31, 202508:03Indiafrom Special EditionThe Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive
Oct 31, 202506:18The Rock Thingfrom SorceryThe Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive
Oct 30, 202508:40Epilogfrom SorceryThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne
Oct 30, 202508:21The Rock Thingfrom SorceryThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne
Oct 30, 202508:09The Gri Gri Manfrom Tin Can AlleyThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne
Oct 30, 202508:07Sound Travelsfrom Sound TravelsThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne
Oct 30, 202508:04Four Levels Of Joyfrom SorceryThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne
Oct 30, 202507:23Mirror Imagefrom The DeJohnette ComplexThe Morning Setw/ Scott Borne