by Scott Yanow Drummer Jack DeJohnette's "Directions" was a rather unusual quartet. With the leader doubling on piano and matching his creativity with guitarist John Abercrombie, Alex Foster (on tenor and soprano) and bassist Mike Richmond, this was obviously a talented all-star group. The compositions on New Rags (all by DeJohnette or Foster) are difficult, rather dry and unpredictable, and the ensemble is not shy to utilize electronics and the subtle influence of rock. It is easy to see why this unit did not catch on, but its music is still fresh.