In contrast to jazz percussion peers Art Blakey and Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette is more of an impressionist on the drums, a specialist in subtle cymbal work and understated tom-tom accents. DeJohnette can play hard when he wants to, but this new album emphasizes the quieter, more nuanced aspects of his playing. Accordingly, he has assembled a band featuring scat singer Bobby McFerrin, worldbeat percussionist Paul Grassi, acoustic guitarist Marvin Sewell, and Baltimore saxophonist Gary Thomas. Every piece begins with DeJohnette's insinuating, intricate syncopation and builds from there as the other musicians improvise on that original pattern. The result has the laid-back, mesmerizing quality of Pat Metheny's collaborations with singer Pedro Aznar. --Geoffrey Himes
