1968 · Album
New Directions
Recorded 1968 · Prestige Records · Produced by Bob Thiele
Drums Leading the Way Forward
DeJohnette proves the drummer can be the bandleader without stepping on anyone's voice.
Jack DeJohnette made his mark early as one of the most inventive drummers in jazz, and New Directions is where he steps fully into the role of bandleader. This isn't a drum showcase album masquerading as a group effort. Instead, DeJohnette uses his position behind the kit to shape the conversation, setting tempos and moods that let his collaborators breathe while keeping everything moving forward with real purpose.
The album splits its attention between standards and originals, and that balance tells you something about DeJohnette's approach. He's not interested in proving anything through obscurity or complexity for its own sake. The playing is modern and intelligent, with plenty of space for real musical dialogue. What stands out is how much control DeJohnette exerts without sounding controlling. His drumming is busy but never cluttered, always serving the song rather than demanding attention. The rhythm section feels completely locked in, creating a foundation that lets everything else unfold naturally.
For listeners new to DeJohnette, this is an excellent entry point. It shows what drew people's attention to him beyond his technical ability—there's real taste and judgment at work here. It's not his peak, and it's not the record that defined his career, but it's the moment when you can hear a drummer becoming a true bandleader. If you've heard him play with others and wondered what he'd do leading his own group, this answers that question directly and convincingly.
Who's playing
Eddie Gomezbass
Lester Bowietrumpet
Where next?
More by Jack DeJohnette
All 14 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
