This single-disc collection of eight tracks selected by drummer and composer Jack DeJohnette form his ECM recordings as a leader and sideman must have been difficult to select, at the very least. DeJohnette’s own recordings have covered so much ground, and featured so many of jazz’s most illustrious players, that choosing even a representative sample is almost impossible. Yet a single disc is what you have. DeJohnette made his selections like a poet, ranging far and wide over his catalog, beginning with “Third World Anthem” from his 1984 Special Edition LP, and then jumping clear to 1997, with the beautiful “Jack In,” before shooting back again with “Feebles, Fables and Ferns,” to his participation on guitarist Mick Goodrick’s In Pas(s)ing album. Thankfully, the glorious “How’s Never,” from the Gateway debut is here, as are two selections from Pictures. DeJohnette explains very eloquently his reasons for his picks in the liner notes, making this a one-of-a-kind package. Rarum, album for album, is really a fine series of recordings. – Thom Jurek
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