JAZZ REVIEWS : JACK DeJOHNETTE, “Extra Special Edition” (<i> Blue Note</i> ) ** 1/2

Drummer-pianist-composer DeJohnette, continuing his series of eclectic “Special Edition” recordings, has assembled all the ingredients here for a first-class album. But even staunch fans of the leader’s non-traditional approach may be put off by the unevenness of the album’s loosely structured settings, which are basically vehicles designed for spontaneous group interplay.

Surely, there are dazzling atmospheric moments. The virtuosic vocals from Bobby McFerrin--who here employs his genius as a soundsmith rather than as a singer--resemble low bass-like rumbles on “Numoessence,” and bring to mind water dripping into a pan on “Speaking in Tongues.” The leader is evocative, driving some pieces (“Numoessence,” “Memories of Sedona”) with organic-sounding log drums, providing sizzle with trap drums elsewhere. And portions of solos by saxman Gary Thomas and pianist Michael Cain stand out.

But many of these free-wheeling numbers go on too long, and it feels as if the members have run out of things to say, or have already said them.

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