What makes Have You Heard? by Jack DeJohnette notable?

The album is significant for its experimental approach to jazz, influencing subsequent generations of musicians within the free jazz movement. It received positive critical reception upon release and has been cited as a crucial work in DeJohnette's discography, helping pave the way for his later successes and collaborations. Released on July 4, 1970, 'Have You Heard?' marked Jack DeJohnette's debut as a leader in the jazz scene after previously establishing himself as an in-demand drummer for notable artists like Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. This album comes at a pivotal moment in DeJohnette's career, showcasing his evolution from sideman to a prominent figure in jazz fusion, capturing the experimental spirit of the era.

How many songs are on Have You Heard??

Have You Heard? has 4 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Have You Heard?

Jack DeJohnette · 1970

61 min · 4 tracks · jazz

Innovative free jazz textures intertwine with fluid rhythms, creating a sonic exploration that transcends conventional boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Have You Heard? — The title track serves as a sprawling journey through improvisation and structured chaos, highlighting DeJohnette's innovative drumming and compositional skills.
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For Jane — This piece stands out with its lyrical piano lines and intricate interplay between instruments, showcasing a softer yet equally compelling side of DeJohnette's artistic vision.
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Neophilia (Love of the New) — An exploration of new sounds and ideas, this track exemplifies the album's theme of embracing innovation in music while pushing traditional jazz boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's improvisational nature and unique time signatures create a distinctive jazz experience.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked DeJohnette's transition to wider recognition in jazz.
Career context: Released on July 4, 1970, 'Have You Heard?' marked Jack DeJohnette's debut as a leader in the jazz scene after previously establishing himself as an in-demand drummer for notable artists like Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. This album comes at a pivotal moment in DeJohnette's career, showcasing his evolution from sideman to a prominent figure in jazz fusion, capturing the experimental spirit of the era.
Stylistic neighbors: Tony Williams· Chick Corea· Brian Blade