The world of jazz drumming has been shaped by countless rhythmic architects since the genre’s birth. Among them is Jack DeJohnette, a mainstay in ’70s jazz fusion, who died last week at the age of 83.

The return of the seminal “jazz fusion” sounds of the ’70s and ’80s are a national trend, and newly-formed quintet “Actual Proof” is riding the wave. The Jazz Central theater serves as their rehearsal ...