The drums are almost beside the point: It was his absolute presence in every musical situation, across a half-century, that made him one of the creative giants of our time
Beautifully comprehensive. And I love your opening statement about Jack. Very true. I'm posting my 10,000-word piece on Jack that appeared in a 2008 issue of the now-defunct TRAPS! magazine. That was such a great publication. The pay was crappy but they let you stretch out and really tell a story like no other magazine does. And so I did. Kudos, Hank!
When I did a DeJohnette roundup for Bandcamp Daily a few years ago (sadly no longer online), I found a great quote from Peter Erskine: "I can play an Elvin lick, a Philly Joe lick, or a Steve Gadd lick, but I can’t play any Jack licks because he doesn’t have any. He’s always creating something new.” What else is there to say about a guy who was burning it up with the Bill Evans Trio and recording Bitches Brew in the same year, and kept that same versatility going for almost 60 years?
I first sawJack play with Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock in Paris. Although I love all of the music mentioned, the Trio will always hold a special place in my heart. Keep swingin’ - RIP. https://youtu.be/n31jaGy7hmk?si=HAcb4RnR1unRLuTy
RIP. ❤️ Another killer track for the playlist: “Straight Life” – the title track from Freddie Hubbard's 1971 record: https://youtu.be/a4xwNHUyz1Q
Beautifully comprehensive. And I love your opening statement about Jack. Very true. I'm posting my 10,000-word piece on Jack that appeared in a 2008 issue of the now-defunct TRAPS! magazine. That was such a great publication. The pay was crappy but they let you stretch out and really tell a story like no other magazine does. And so I did. Kudos, Hank!
Whoa, awesome -- can't wait to read, Bill!
Thanks for sharing your primer. All-stars all; Wadada and Dewey Redman stood out for me.
Beautiful. A worthy tribute to a peerless master. Thank you so much.
Love this. Thank you, and co-sign ✌🏼
Cheers, Nate, and thanks so much. Excited to read your piece -- your archive of Jack coverage was a huge help in recent days.
When I did a DeJohnette roundup for Bandcamp Daily a few years ago (sadly no longer online), I found a great quote from Peter Erskine: "I can play an Elvin lick, a Philly Joe lick, or a Steve Gadd lick, but I can’t play any Jack licks because he doesn’t have any. He’s always creating something new.” What else is there to say about a guy who was burning it up with the Bill Evans Trio and recording Bitches Brew in the same year, and kept that same versatility going for almost 60 years?
I first sawJack play with Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock in Paris. Although I love all of the music mentioned, the Trio will always hold a special place in my heart. Keep swingin’ - RIP. https://youtu.be/n31jaGy7hmk?si=HAcb4RnR1unRLuTy
Nicely done. Thanks.
Huge Loss
Thanks so much for this. Great piece.
I’ve been listening to nonstop Jack today — I’d never even heard Peace Time before.