John Scofield Recs?

[Murphydog]

Hi, I don't post here much, I'm usually content to read and inwardly digest the thoughts of others. Yesterday however, I picked up a copy of Groove Elation in a local charity shop and I'm really enjoying it. Having not listened to that much recent groove based jazz, I'd be grateful for pointers to other Scofield discs with this sound and any other players in this area. Might help me move out of the 60's at last!

Thanks,

Paul

[mjzee]

Our primary collection of thoughts and opinions about Sco can be found in this thread:

Artists

Sco's a favorite of mine. In the groove vein, I think you'd also like Hand Jive, Bump, A Go Go, Uberjam, and Out Louder (the last under Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood).

Welcome to the board!

[Murphydog]

I'll make a note of those titles to look out for. That thread looks like a great read, thanks for the link.

[marcello]

You should check out Tommy Smith's BLUE SMITH

Tommy Smith - tenor & soprano saxophone

James Genus - acoustic bass

John Scofield - guitar

Clarence Penn - drums

[Murphydog]

Great rhythm section, I've yet to be convinced by Tommy Smith. Maybe this is the one.

Thanks

[marcello]

This is one to get, Murph.

[Jay]

I always had a soft spot for the Gramavision funk discs and of course, the Blue Note groups with Joe Lovano. If you are looking for more groove, try the Gramavision material - Dennis Chambers just kills.

[mjzee]

I always had a soft spot for the Gramavision funk discs and of course, the Blue Note groups with Joe Lovano. If you are looking for more groove, try the Gramavision material - Dennis Chambers just kills.

I think those have a different kind of sound than found in Groove Elation. Sco's made a lot of different types of records. Many of the Gramavision titles are busier and faster. Take "Flat Out," for example. "Rockin' Pneumonia" has a great funky beat, but "The Boss's Car" is faster, more frenetic. And much of "Pick Hits Live" sounds like pure fusion. My advice to Murphydog is sample before you buy. But I guess that's always true, right?

Just my two cents.

[Rooster_Ties]

Not at all your typical Scofield effort, but I really like "Quiet" from 1996 (on Verve).

Totally got a Gil Evans vibe to it (to my ears), with a 'larger' small group of about ten...

The basic band has Scofield (exclusively on nylon-string acoustic guitar), with Wayne Shorter on tenor, bassist Steve Swallow, and either Bill Stewart or Duduka Da Fonseca on drums. They are joined by trumpeter Randy Brecker, two French horns, two woodwinds, Roger Rosenberg on bass clarinet, and Howard Johnson on tuba and baritone. (source)

Anybody else have this one?? Not exactly "exciting" in the most conventional sense, but a beautiful album never the less.

[sal]

I also really enjoy "Quiet". Might be my favorite disc of his. The arrangements are sublime...and its got Wayne Shorter!

"EnRoute" is probably the best demonstration of him in a trio format. Its a burning, live disc with Steve Swallow and Bill Stewart, who just kill it.

And if you like Groove Elation, you may like "A-Go-Go", an album he did with Medeski Martin & Wood.

Those are probably my 3 favorite Scofield albums. Check out Trio Beyond's "Saudades" for some more great Scofield alongside Larry Goldings and Jack DeJohnette.

[PHILLYQ]

There's 'Out Loud'(1 studio disc) and 'Out Louder'(1 studio disc +1 live disc). I would recommend 'Out Louder' as the live disc is excellent, smokin' Sco + MMW.

[Murphydog]

Picked up the Trio Beyond from eMusic last night. Not quite the sound I'm looking for but plenty of tremendous playing nonetheless.

Speaking of Dennis Chambers I found a used copy of Barbara Dennerlein Junkando today and he's great on that.

[Jay]

I think those have a different kind of sound than found in Groove Elation. Sco's made a lot of different types of records. Many of the Gramavision titles are busier and faster. Take "Flat Out," for example. "Rockin' Pneumonia" has a great funky beat, but "The Boss's Car" is faster, more frenetic. And much of "Pick Hits Live" sounds like pure fusion. My advice to Murphydog is sample before you buy. But I guess that's always true, right?

Just my two cents.

This is all a fair follow-up to my comments, but the point is well taken - try before you buy. I was stating my preference from a purely subjective angle. Personally, I find the MMW and related work to be somewhat dull, but hey, I prefer his fusion or straight ahead material to the "jam band" thing. Of course, MDog might prefer this angle him/herself.

BTW, I did think that This Means That was quite a nice recent release, especially for the work of the amazing Bill Stewart (see Randy's Vinnie thread).

[Free For All]

Not at all your typical Scofield effort, but I really like "Quiet" from 1996 (on Verve).

Totally got a Gil Evans vibe to it (to my ears), with a 'larger' small group of about ten...

The basic band has Scofield (exclusively on nylon-string acoustic guitar), with Wayne Shorter on tenor, bassist Steve Swallow, and either Bill Stewart or Duduka Da Fonseca on drums. They are joined by trumpeter Randy Brecker, two French horns, two woodwinds, Roger Rosenberg on bass clarinet, and Howard Johnson on tuba and baritone. (source)

Anybody else have this one?? Not exactly "exciting" in the most conventional sense, but a beautiful album never the less.

This is one of my favorite Sco sides. I love the vibe of the thing- the timbre of the nylon string guitar, Wayne's contributions and the great arranging which is (as you said) very much in the Gil Evans style. I can imagine this one is probably not everyone's cup o'tea, but I like it a lot.

I also like the others mentioned here- each new Sco side seems so different from the previous. He rarely fails to keep me interested.

Edited August 5, 2009 by Free For All

[thedwork]

...and of course, the Blue Note groups with Joe Lovano.

those are my favorite recordings w/ Scofield as a leader as well. Time On My Hands, Meant To Be, and What We Do being my favorites. all classics in my opinion. but there is one record that, for me, is above all other others when it comes to Sco:

for me, not only is this my favorite playing from Scofield - i think it's one the best jazz recordings period. ever. masterpiece.

[danasgoodstuff]

I'm very found of Hand Jive, the two bass desires albums with Bill Frisell, Mark Johnson and Peter Erskin, plus the live one he did sitting in with the Adams/Pullen band. Oh, and he did some nice stuff with Miles too.

[nemo7]

start here/vince mendoza

and john scofield w/ guitar

big, good, tight

Edited August 23, 2009 by nemo7