Drummer Jack DeJohnette's debut as a leader (which has been reissued on CD) has quite a bit of variety. The music ranges from advanced swinging to brief free improvisations and some avant-funk. DeJohnette (who doubles on melodica) is joined by Bennie Maupin (on tenor and flute), keyboardist Stanley Cowell, bassists Miroslav Vitous and Eddie Gomez, and drummer Roy Haynes. He uses six different combinations of musicians on the eight songs (five of his originals, John Coltrane's "Miles' Mode," Cowell's "Equipoise" and Vitous'"Mirror Image"). Intriguing and generally successful music. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Equipoise (Stanley Cowell)
2. The Major General (Jack DeJohnette)
3. Miles' Mode (John Coltrane)
4. Requiem Number 1 (Jack DeJohnette)
5. Mirror Image (Miroslav Vitous)
6. Papa-Daddy And Me (Jack DeJohnette)
7. Brown, Warm And Wintry (Jack DeJohnette)
8. Requiem Number 2 (Jack DeJohnette)
EDDIE GOMEZ bass (3-8)
MIROSLAV VITOUS bass (1, 2, 4, 5, 8)
JACK DeJOHNETTE drums (2, 5, 7)
ROY HAYNES drums (1, 3, 6)
STANLEY COWELL piano (2, 5, 8), electric piano (1, 3, 6)
BENNIE MAUPIN tenor saxophone (1, 2, 3, 6), flute (7)
Recorded December 26, 1968 at Danton Productions, New York City
Milestone – MSP 9022