John Scofield
PROJECTS:
Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a creative artist of an even rarer sort: a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. A three-time Grammy winner, Scofield has has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music, jam band style, and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. He’s recorded nearly 50 albums as a leader in the company of such major players as Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau and Eddie Harris. He's also played and recorded with Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, MMW, Govt Mule, Lettuce, and Phil Lesh to mention only a few of his favorites.
JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO
There has been a John Scofield Trio at play since the late 70’s and it undisputedly remains his favorite format. The newest incarnation – Scofield on guitar, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart are having fun. They sail through tightly knit sets that typify the musical diversity that has colored Scofield’s long career: time honored jazz standards, rock and blues classics, savvy original Scofield compositions and whatever assorted off-the-cuff improvisations that turn up on a whim. More than just a collection of tunes, they play music that embodies the spirit that has kept improvisational jazz vigorous and visceral since its start.
Named for the Grateful Dead song that concludes Scofield’s inspired double album, Uncle John’s Band features masterful guitarist John Scofield at his most freewheeling. Scofield says, “All in all it’s a mixed bag of tunes but we treat them equally as vehicles for improvisation - not just covering the songs. It’s challenging. You don’t rely on arrangements as much as the intuitive way we play together. You rely on good playing knowing that there’s no safety net involved. We're three musicians with a special synergy that unfolds between us. I think Trio is always some of my best playing. We hook up as a group and it brings us to satisfying places."
PRESS QUOTES:
“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation”
NPR
“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 strategies…he just burned.”
The New York Times
“Timeless guitarist John Scofield has the biggest audience of his career creating effortless, playful jazz that swings like yesterday but appeals in the present. Joyous.”
PopMatters
“Scofield’s exercise of unconventional playing embraces the kind of musical exploration that drives jazz forward with optimism.”
All About Jazz
