Woodstock Resident and former sideman to one of our idols, Miles Davis (among many others), Jack DeJohnette, released his new album “Sound Travels” yesterday. DeJohnette is a composer, jazz drummer and pianist and one of THE most influential jazz artists of the 20th Century. His sound is the perfect mixture of jazz and world music and his impeccable timing and rhythm has made him a favorite of percussionist and fans alike, worldwide.
“Sound Travels” is just a perfect name for the album. Just when your about to label it a jazz album, a closer listen has you hearing latin sounds, bassanova, R&B influences, Afro-Cuban and its groovin – Sound Travels indeed.
When your DeJohnette and you want to collaborate the world is your oyster; ”I wanted the best crop of young innovators – that are the future of sound”. The musicians on this label include; Grammy winnner Esperanza Spalding on bass, Luisito Quintero on percussion, Saxophonist Tim Reis and Ambrose Akinmusire on Trumpet, Jason Moran on the keys, Bobby McFerrin, Bruce Hornsby, Lionel Loueke & Ambrose Akinmusire round out the line up.
The collaboration is what makes this album amazing, the give and take from these musicians. Take a look at this most amazing footage of DeJohnette in a closed session and all the goings on in studio.
Looking forward to catching him on tour this year, until then this album will be in constant rotation at the SLR HQ, no doubt.
