Up Close with Jack DeJohnette



Dig this: from the recent 2012 NEA Jazz Master's awards concert, here's some nice up close, behind the scenes footage of the Master Jack DeJohnette performing Ornette Coleman's composition "When Will The Blues Leave?" with the likes of Sheila Jordan, Ron Carter and my old buddy Jimmy Owens (from my days in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in Washington, D.C.):



Watching this clip is a great opportunity to check out Jack's approach to timekeeping. In particular, take special note of Jack's right hand. This is a GREAT lesson in ride cymbal playing! He is quite relaxed and if you'll notice he hardly moves his arm/hand at all but yet the beat is strong, clear and has definite intensity to it.

Thanks for the lesson Jack!