This post is by Dan
Jack DeJohnette (d, kybds); David Murray (ts); John Purcell (as, ss); Howard Johnson (tba, bs); Rufus Reid (b)
Recorded June 1984
Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition is indeed a special band. Album Album's cover and rear artwork picture the DeJohnette bio-family enjoying a day in the woods. Inside the gatefold cover are 16 other black-and-white photos. A photo album within a record album, hence the title. Album Album is dedicated to DeJohnette's mother and celebrates her memory. One of the tunes, "New Orleans Strut," is dedicated to his father.
Jazz albums are often inspired by real-life events, and the passing of a parent surely triggers the creative impulse. For DeJohnette, the inspiration informs the compositions as well as the performances. All except "Monk's Mood" are written by the leader
The music is compelling. The band is tight and together. The individual voices are tremendously expressive, and the ensemble sections are skillfully arranged and played. This is a group with a personal signature, one that allows energy in abundance as well as tight ensemble passages. It's a great companion to the earlier Special Edition album, Tin Can Alley, recorded in 1981 and reviewed in our blog.
As for the program, it's pretty hard to describe. I'll start with the easiest. "Monk's Mood" is the one familiar piece, and it's given a luxurious arrangement by Howard Johnson that includes five-part harmonies (on which DeJohnette appears to play a melodica or other keyboard). Johnson's baritone solo is featured in the dark but lovely rendition of the Monk classic.
From that point on, I am at a loss for words that do justice to the music itself. All of the tracks have something unique to offer. These are unusual compositions with a lot of different sections. For example, the wonderful "Third World Anthem" seems simple in parts but has a lot going on. It's part calypso, part chant, all fascinating. Purcell's alto solo over a roiling bass line is a high point. There are actually two tuba solos on this one. Overall, it rates very high on the "wow" factor. "Zoot Suite" is also assembled from parts - some fast, others slow. "New Orleans Strut" is jaunty and makes it hard to sit still.
My overall reaction to the album is amazement at the creativity and playing skills that are displayed. It's remarkable that music this different can be mastered by the group and played with such energy and spirit. I may never figure this music out completely, but that hardly interferes with my enjoyment.
If you've not known about Special Edition before, try one. I bet you'll end up investigating them all.
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