Jack DeJohnette's Directions' 'Untitled' is a masterclass in the art of possibility within jazz. Released in 1976, this ECM gem captures the legendary drummer—already a luminary through his work with Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett—at a crossroads of invention. Flanked by John Abercrombie's guitar, Alex Foster's reeds, and Peter Warren's bass, DeJohnette leads an ensemble that thrives on collective intuition. The music is unbound by convention, pulsing with creative risk: angular improvisations, ambient textures, and exploratory themes unfold with elegant unpredictability. Rather than showcase technical prowess for its own sake, the band crafts a soundscape that feels intimate yet cosmically vast. 'Untitled' stands out as a vital document of a period when jazz was redefining its own vocabulary, fusing elements of fusion and avant-garde with a remarkable sense of cohesion. For listeners who crave an album that rewards repeat listens—where every spin reveals new details, new conversations between instruments—this is a treasure. Owning 'Untitled' means holding a piece of jazz history that remains as searching and vital as the day it was recorded.
Track List:
A1 - Flying Spirits - 13:50
A2 - Pansori Visions - 2:20
A3 - Fantastic - 5:52
B1 - The Vikings Are Coming - 6:43
B2 - Struttin - 6:30
B3 - Morning Star - 7:22
B4 - Malibu Reggae - 3:03