John Scofield

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John Scofield & The Piety Street Band
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In introducing this all new group for 2009, John forges a connection from jazz to blues to gospel. “I’ve always wanted to record and tour a blues project…that’s where I started as a guitarist and I’m feeling that music more than ever of late. My jazz is funky, my funk is jazzy and R&B flavors run through it.”

“I’m just shifting the balance for this one and I am really excited to be making music with Jon Cleary (Boonie Raitt), the legendary George Porter, Jr. (The Meters) and Ricky Fataar (Bonnie Raitt, Beach Boys).”

“Inspired by the songs of Thomas A. Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson, we’ve got all the swing and blues needed to finally make a REAL jazz/funk fusion project. This is a notion that’s been gelling in my mind for decades. I launched a personal search for musical inspiration beyond the standard 12 bar blues, looking for other chord progressions. I found them in “old time gospel” music – the closest relative to and inspiration for the R&B that we all know and love. It’s really powerful stuff.”

“Of course, whether it’s jazz, rock, R&B or gospel it always comes out my way.”

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The John Scofield Trio

For over 30 years the cornerstone of John’s music has been found in The John Scofield Trio. The group includes old friends and longtime musical partners, bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart – three great musicians hitting their stride through invention, playing tight jazz standard and saccy original compositions. Their music embodies the spirit that has kept jazz vigorous and visceral since its birth.

“I love to make a real jazz-improvising statement in live situations with two of my favorite musicians,” Scofield says. “It’s really challenging. You don’t rely on arrangements as much as on the way the group plays together. It’s impossible to judge your own work completely,” Scofield says, “but I think this is always some of my best playing.”

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That's Enough 1:36 John Scofield
Something's Got A Hold Of Me 1:10 John Scofield
I'm a Soldier 1:33 John Scofield
Trio Blues 4:16 John Scofield
MSMW - Little Walter Rides Again 3:55 John Scofield
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REVIEWS

Scofield’s muse has evolved from guitar standards to post-bop to fusion and back again. (He wears) a gilded robe as the modern messiah of “Terminator jazz.”
Downbeat

…an incredibly resourceful display of devices and stradegies…he just burned.
The New York Times

Scofield combines the chess-champ braininess of his solos with a taste for standard song forms and expansive bursts of volume…a manna for the straight ahead jazz fan.
The Boston Phoenix

Scofield’s exercise of unconventional playing embraces the kind of musical exploration that drives jazz forward with optimism.
All About Jazz