Shadow Dance

Jack DeJohnette
Duration: 15:14
2,954 views

Jack DeJohnette was one of the most influential and proficient jazz drummers of all time. He was known especially for his playing with Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett and his own bands and compositions. DeJohnette was named a US National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, the highest honor the United States bestows upon jazz musicians. He passed away on October 26, 2025. Innovative elements of his sound included using the tom-toms as a form of propulsive "ride;" tuning the drums low and in synch so that they strengthened the harmonic role of the kit; and, varying the attack on the cymbals so that they would enrich the feel of hard jazz-rock as well as ballads. Listen to him attack and completely occupy the underlying sonic spectrum of "Shadow Dance," with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Dave Holland. DeJohnette’s solo kicks off the song, the band groove is introduced at 02:23, and the head comes at 05:10. Although each performer is outrageously talented, when you turn DeJohnette “up to eleven,” his impact on the song’s drive is clear.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.