Free Clinic: The Art of the Ride (Cymbal)

Invitation to a close listening geek out!

Yes, I am aware that I already posted on the above album, earlier this very week. But that was before this track was available on streaming platforms.

Last night with some good friends, we listened on an amazing audio system. And though there are odd dropouts (where’d that bass go?), this live recording from 1966 is notable not only for its unforgiving tempo and explosiveness, but for its clarity in the upper frequencies. Which means it is possible to focus entirely on what Jack DeJohnette, then 24, does with cymbals. In particular the ride patterns. In particular the attack on the ride. In particular on beat one of every chorus.

So here’s a close-listening geek-out dare: Press play and observe what DeJohnette does with his cymbals. For all of nearly 27 minutes.