CiTR

Jack DeJohnette is one of the most extraordinary musicians to come along in the last 45 or so years. Jack was born in Chicago and came to New York in 1964 as an accomplished drummer and pianist. He was discovered by the great alto saxophone master Jackie Mclean and then went on to work with Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Freddie Hubbard and countless others. Jack and pianist Keith Jarrett worked with Charles Lloyd and their musical bond has remained to this day as the formidable trio of Jarrett, bassist Gary Peacock and DeJohnette is one of today's premier groups. DeJohnette first began recording under his own name in 1968 and his output has reflected a very eclectic taste. DeJohnette's recordings have explored anything musical but this band called "Special Edition" is amazing. This is their first recording and it is indeed a classic in the best sense of the word. The Special Edition band continued throughout the 80's and 90's with changing personnel but this first recording done in March of 1979 was one of their best. David Murray is heard on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet, Arthur Blythe on alto saxophone and Peter Warren on bass make up the band. DeJohnette is heard mostly on drums, of course, but we also hear him on piano and melodica. Three of the compositions are Jack's and two are Coltrane classics, "Central Park West" and "India". "Special Edition" was indeed very special.