Metropole Orchestra • John Scofield • Vince Mendoza: 54 (2010)

The collaboration heard on 54 had its origins back in the 90's when Vince Mendoza asked John Scofield to play on his first album. John has since been featured on two of Vince’s records and his guitar sound and improvisational skills work well within Vince’s concept. When Mendoza assumed directorship of The Metropole Orchestra, he and Scofield decided to collaborate again with a primary focus on Mendoza’s arrangements of Scofield compositions as performed with The Metropole Orchestra.

"Vince is one of the most creative arrangers today and his sensibilities are perfect for my compositions," says Scofield. ''in addition to Vince’s arrangements, 54 features another pair of Scofield tunes transformed by likeminded arrangers Jim McNeely and Florian Ross. Two classic Mendoza compositions are included to complete the repertoire. ''I love playing in this lush setting. This orchestra is unique to any other I know of in its ability to play with a natural jazz feeling," says Scofield. "It’s a thrill to hear my tunes expanded by the orchestral arrangements and Vince’s tunes are modern masterpieces that I truly enjoy interpreting. The other soloists in the Orchestra are excellent as well."

Tracklist:
01. Carlos (John Scofield) [8:55]
02. Jung Parade (Vince Mendoza) [7:28]
03. Polo Towers (John Scofield) [6:49]
04. Honest I Do (John Scofield) [4:20]
05. Twang (John Scofield) [9:19]
06. Imaginary Time (John Scofield) [6:17]
07. Peculiar (John Scofield) [7:38]
08. Say We Did (Vince Mendoza) [8:22]
09. Out Of The City (John Scofield) [5:35]
Personnel:
John Scofield (guitar)
Vince Mendoza (conductor/arranger)
Metropole Orchestra
54
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Mike Stern: Play (1999)

Mike Stern is a preeminent guitarist for two key reasons: One, he can play all styles very well and with equal command; and two, he plays very well with all other players. He always shows great respect for those with whom he is playing and gives them each the time and space to develop their musical ideas. Stern displays these two qualities in abundance on Play. Several notable guests join Stern and his core band for this release. Guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell and drummer Dennis Chambers each team with Stern on several tracks. If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, listen to Stern and Scofield on the title track, or mix in Bob Malach's tenor sax on "Outta Town." If you like your guitar music slightly more spacious and lyrical, try Stern and Frisell on the hypnotic "Blue Tone" or the pensive "All Heart." Finally, if you want to turn up the heat and move into some rock/funk-influenced fusion, then check out the groovy "Tipatina's," the bold rocker "Link," or the intensely funky "Big Kids." It is no surprise, based on his other work, that Chambers, in particular, gives the band a kick in the musical pants inspiring bassist Lincoln Goines to enjoy the ride. Play is an outstanding guitar album from the highly accomplished and incredibly versatile Mike Stern. It is highly recommended.

Tracklist
1. Play (7:13)
2. Small World (5:24)
3. Outta Town (6:08)
4. Blue Tone (6:43)
5. Tipatina's (6:33)
6. All Heart (6:22)
7. Frizz (5:39)
8. Link (6:52)
9. Goin' Under (4:07)
10. Big Kids (7:27)
Play
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Lee Ritenour: 6 String Theory (2010)

It’s hard to believe that 2010 marks 50 years since Lee Ritenour starting playing the guitar, setting in motion a career that legends are made of. A career that has earned him 19 GRAMMY® nominations, a GRAMMY Award, numerous #1 spots on guitar polls, A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian SJ Awards, and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC. During his illustrious career, he has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs and was a founding member of the group Fourplay, considered the most successful group in contemporary jazz. As a young guitarist his diverse musical style became the foundation of over 3,000 sessions, covering a broad spectrum of artists ranging from his first session at 16 with the Mamas and Papas, to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra. On his latest endeavor, 6 String Theory, Ritenour celebrates the instrument that has allowed him this blessing, the guitar; -by producing and assembling a star-studded tribute with the greatest and soon- to- be greatest guitarists of our time.

For 6 String Theory, Ritenour is also among the twenty legendary world class guitarists starring on the recording, which he produced along with John Burk of the Concord Music Group. Joining him in this tribute to the guitar, the all-star line-up includes: George Benson, BB King, Slash, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Robert Cray and Vince Gill among many other superstars. Blending rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, country and classical, they come together for a seamless project that promises to take the listener on a musical journey and exploration of the guitar. Also featured on vocals are BB King, Robert Cray, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa and Jonny Lang.

Blending together styles, ages and musical colors, Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory promises to be one of the greatest guitar recordings ever made!

Tracklist:

01. Lay It Down (Ft. John Scofield) 5:58

02. Am I Wrong (Ft. Keb' Mo' And Taj Mahal) 4:07
03. L.P. (For Les Paul) (Ft. Pat Martino, And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:50
04. Give Me One Reason (Ft. Joe Bonamassa And Robert Cray) 5:14
05. "68" (Ft. Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, And Slash) 4:58
06. In Your Dreams (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Neal Schon) 5:57
07. My One and Only Love (Ft. George Benson) 1:44
08. Moon River (Ft. George Benson And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:57
09. Why I Sing the Blues (Ft. B.B. King, Vince Gill, Keb' Mo', Johnny Lan) 6:34
10. Daddy Longlicks (Ft. Joe Robinson) 1:54
11. Shape of My Heart (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Andy McKee) 4:48
12. Drifting (Ft. Andy McKee) 3:40
13. Freeway Jam (Ft. Mike Stern, Tomoyasu Hotei,) 4:56
14. Fives (Ft. Guthrie Govan And Tal Wilkenfeld) 4:33
15. Caprices, Op. 20, No. 2 and 7 (Ft. Shon Boublil) 3:30
6 String Theory
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Billy Cobham: Drum 'n' Voice 3 (2009)

Chaka Khan and Gino Vannelli are amongst the super guests of the long awaited album "Drum'n'Voice Volume 3" by world-class jazz/fusion drummer Billy Cobham. Produced between Milan and legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles by Nicolosi Productions, (also known as the breakthru group "Novecento"), this new album contains stunning performances from legendary artists such as George Duke, Alex Acuna, John Scofield, Brian Auger, Bob Mintzer and Novecento itself. Once more Cobham delivers an amazing creativity and listening experience that unveils its unique style in playing drums and percussions. at the beginning of 2010 "Drum'n'Voice Live Tour" will see the light with part of the artists performing. The album will be available soon for digital downloads across all the main online retailers.

Tracklist:
01 - Electric Man (Feat. Brian Auger)
02 - Alive (Feat. Chaka Khan)
03 - Roller (George Duke, Bob Mintzer)
04 - We The People (Feat. Gino Vannelli, Alex Acuna)
05 - Destiny (John Scofield, Brian Auger, Alex Acuma)
06 - I'd Like To Change (Feat. Novecento)
07 - Dreamer (Feat. Bob Mintzer)
08 - Route (Feat. Novecento)
09 - Stratus (Feat. Bob Mintzer, Novecento)
Drum n Voice vol. 3
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 (RS)

Dennis Chambers: Outbreak (2002)

A formidable, ferocious and ultra-funky presence behind the kit in such celebrated ensembles as Parliament-Funkadelic, Steely Dan, Santana and the Brecker Brothers as well as incendiary fusion outfits led by guitarists John Scofield, Mike Stern and John McLaughlin, Dennis Chambers is everyone's choice for all world drummer. On "Outbreak", his Stateside debut as a leader, Dennis slams home some solid grooves in the company of such heavyweights as guitarists Scofield, Jon Herington, Nick Moroch and Dean Brown, bassists Will Lee, Gary Willis, Matthew Garrison and his old P-Funk rhythm tandem mate Rodney 'Skeet' Curtis, saxophonists Michael Brecker, Bobby Malach and Aaron Heick, trumpeter Randy Brecker and long time colleague and keyboardist Jim Beard, who produced the New York session.

Tracklist:

1. Roll Call

2. Otay

3. Groovus Interruptus
4. Paris on Mine
5. In Time
6. Plan B
7. Outbreak
8. Baltimore, Dc
9. Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothin'
Outbreak
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John Scofield: EnRoute (2004)

With the live EnRoute, recorded at New York's Blue Note, guitarist John Scofield returns from the jam-band wars in challenging high style, leading a trio for the first time on record in more than 20 years. With his strong blues and funk sensibility, Scofield has always been the jazz guitarist most likely to succeed among rock listeners, and fans from both camps will be drawn to this purer improvisational enterprise. Teamed here with longtime drumming associate Bill Stewart and veteran bassist Steve Swallow (who was featured on those early-'80s trio albums), he's still jamming, but there's a sharpness of focus and a locked-in intensity among the musicians that you rarely encounter in jam-band settings--including his own. Emptying out his bag of much-imitated tricks--the sighing pedal tones, slab-like chords, shimmering lyrical lines, and controlled screams--Scofield romps through the bop classic, "Wee," and delivers a diaphanous reading of "Alfie." The album also features a pair of remakes: "Name That Tune," Swallow's bounding remake of Duke Ellington's "Perdido," and the leader's strutting "Over Big Top," based on "Bigtop" from his 1995 album, Groove Elation. From whatever perspective you choose, it's Scofield's best album since Time on My Hands, his 1990 quartet date with saxist Joe Lovano. --Lloyd Sachs

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EnRoute (RS) / EnRoute (HF) @ 320K

John Scofield: This Meets That (2007)

Following celebrated runs on the Enja, Arista, Gramavision, Blue Note and Verve labels, Scofield is proud to release his first project for Emarcy, This Meets That. The album finds Scofield once again in the company of what he calls his "A-Team"--bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart--the trio that released En Route in 2004. Added to that, the four-part horn section of Roger Rosenberg on baritone sax and bass clarinet, Jim Pugh on trombone, Lawrence Feldman on tenor sax and flutes and John Swana on trumpet and flugelhorn. A special treat, one tune also features special guest Bill Frisell on tremolo guitar-- a cover of "House of the Rising Sun."

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This meets that (RS) / This meets that (HF) @ 320K

Trio Beyond: Saudades (2006) [2 cd]

With the exception of Miles Davis's Bitches Brew, Tony Williams's group Lifetime--the pioneering late '60s trio featuring organist Larry Young, and guitarist John McLauglin--wrote the book on jazz-rock fusion. This 2004 London concert features two former Miles sidemen as well as Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and Larry Goldings, who was contacted by Williams to join his band before his untimely death in 1997. It brilliantly updates music from Lifetime's seminal recordings Emergency! and Turn it Over. DeJohnette succeeded Williams in Davis's band, and his articulated drumming drives Scofield's blues-trenched, Hendrixian guitar licks and Goldings's evocative organ voicings, electric piano, and digital sampling. Their rewiring of the combustible blues "If," the spacey ballad "As One," and the rock-out numbers "Spectrum" and "Emergency" shows that this music is as durable as it is dynamic. The cooperatively composed title track further highlights Williams's never-ending influence and the exceptional improvisational acumen of these musicians. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

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Saudades - Part 1 - Part 2 (RS) / Part 1 - Part 2 (HF) @ 320K

John Scofield: Groove Elation (1995)

John Scofield has continued to grow and evolve year by year. This 1995 set is quite blues-oriented, sometimes boppish and fairly laid-back, almost sounding like a Jimmy Smith or Groove Holmes date from the 1960s. Larry Goldings (who doubles occasionally on piano) is almost as significant in the ensembles as the leader/guitarist, and has become the most important arrival on organ since Joey DeFrancesco and Barbara Dennerlein. Many of the tunes (all Scofield originals) use parade-like rhythms propelled by Idris Muhammad and Dennis Irwin (particularly the eccentric "Peculiar" and "Groove Elation"), and the interplay between the two lead voices is quite appealing. Scofield is quite unselfish as far as taking solo space goes (he clearly enjoys the light funky grooves set by Goldings), and the results are quite appealing.

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Groove Elation (RS) / Groove Elation (HF) @ 320K

John Scofield: Piety Street (2009)

As a leader, guitarist, and composer John Scofield has made many different kinds of records over the course of his long career, as well as played on dozens more as a sideman to people like Miles Davis and Charles Mingus, to mention just two. His last offering, and his first for Emarcy, was This Means That, an adventurous blend of straight-ahead blowing and funk-oriented numbers that worked beautifully and yielded a slew of critical acclaim. Piety Street is a different story altogether. Scofield has assembled a crack band of more roots and groove-oriented sidemen to cut his version of a gospel album. He's backed by keyboardist and vocalist Jon Cleary (from Bonnie Raitt's fine road band), New Orleans super bassist George Porter, Jr., drummer Ricky Fataar (also of the Raitt band), Crescent City club band session vocalist John Boutté (whose singing is a staple of the city's vibrant music scene), and New Orleans drummer and percussionist Shannon Powell (formerly of the Harry Connick Orchestra). There are 13 cuts on Piety Street, ranging from well-known gospel standards such as " Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," "Walk with Me," and "I'll Fly Away" to classics within the genre, such as Dorothy Love Coates' "That's Enough," and "99 and a Half," the Rev. James Cleveland's "Something's Got a Hold on Me," and Thomas A. Dorsey's "Never Turn Back," with a couple of originals thrown in for measure. The temptation on a set like this to insert all sorts of improvisational touches, complex arrangements, and/or jamming opportunities is great, but to his credit, Scofield resists completely. These are songs and he treats them as such — the vocalists are an obvious nod to this but the arrangements and instrumental interludes go even further. Everything from post-bop jazz, funk, blues, and reggae are grafted onto these songs and the transition is seamless. Scofield's own playing is ever present but understated, and Cleary and Porter are such an intensely focused rhythm team that their backdrops are drenched in grooves and soul. While it's true this is gospel music re-visioned by Scofield, it's still a gospel record, and carries within it the heart of that music's great traditions — melody, complex harmonics, and lyricism. This is a winner all the way through.

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Piety Street (RS) / Piety Street (HF) @ 320K

John Scofield Band: Up All Night (2003)

Already a part of two great jazz records in 2003--by Roy Haynes and the group ScoLoHoFo--guitarist John Scofield is back to his genre-bending self with 11 tracks of adventurous grooves that should attract contemporary jazz fans as well as lovers of jam bands, instrumental hip-hop, and dance music. Although the quartet collaborated on nearly half the tunes, Up All Night is more structured than Uberjam, the Scofield band's 2002 effort. It's less a jam session, more a rhythmic showcase for the group and the special dirty effects, memorable riffs, and long darting lines of the leader. The head-bopping, finger-snapping quotient is high on many numbers, especially the first two tracks and "Four on the Floor." "Thikhahali," his tribute to Fela Kuti's Afrobeat style, is priceless. There are go-go riffs on "Philopiety," industrial beats on "Freakin' Disco" and "Every Night Is Ladies Night" and through it all a musician at the very top of his game. --Mark Ruffin

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Up All Night (RS) / Up All Night (HF) @ 320K

Marc Johnson: Shade of Jade (2005)

Marc Johnson doesn't take a bass solo on Shades of Jade until "Snow," track six of the 10-song album. Until then, the emphasis stays on tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, guitarist John Scofield and pianist Eliane Elias, the last serving as the album's coproducer (with Manfred Eicher) and author or coauthor of half the album. In fact, Elias could almost be the de facto leader of the session.

But regardless of whose name comes first on the cover, everyone matches wits on "Ton Sur Ton," with tenor and guitar harmonizing deftly on the melody. The front end of the disc finds the group in a gentle mood that sometimes gets too languid (the title track) but often brings out the delicacy of the setting ("Apareceu"). "Blue Nefertiti" gets the second part of its name from a sideways quote of a certain Wayne Shorter tune.

Beginning with "Snow," Johnson asserts himself more, following that track with the solo "Since You Asked" exemplifying his vast melodic skills. In the closing "Don't Ask of Me," a drone accompanies a bowed solo where his impeccable tone could easily be mistaken for a cello. In between, "Raise" gives the group a medium hard-bop groove, and drummer Joey Baron, up to this point filling out the sound with subtle nuances, gets a chance to light a fire under the band, particularly Lovano.

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Shade of Jade (RS) / Shade of Jade (HF) @ 320K

Marc Johnson: Secong Sight (1987)

The second release by Bass Desires (a quartet consisting of leader/bassist Marc Johnson, drummer Peter Erskine, and the guitars of Bill Frisell and John Scofield) is almost the equal of the first. This advanced unit performs eight group originals that cover a wide variety of moods, from introspective, spacy pieces to ones emphasizing fire and passion.
Marc Johnson - bass
Bill Frisell - guitar
John Scofield - guitar
Peter Erskine - drums
Recorded March 1987/Rainbow Studio Oslo
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Second Sight

Miles Davis Septet: Live in Poland (2008) [2 cd]

Personnel : Miles Davis, trumpet; Bill Evans, soprano & tenor sax, flute; John Scofield, electric guitar; Robert Irving Iii, keyboards; Darryl Jones, bass; Al Foster, drums; and Mino Cinelu, percussion. Recorded at Congress Hall, Warsaw, Poland, October 13, 1983.

Tommy Smith Sextet: Evolution (2005) mp3 @ 320K

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Tommy Smith is a big-toned tenor saxophonist who has played both straight-ahead jazz and fusion. It was in Edinburgh that Smith became seriously interested in jazz as a teenager, and he was only 15 when he was accepted to the renowned Berklee College of Music. In 1984, the saxman moved to Boston to attend Berklee, and, in 1986, an 18-year-old Smith was hired as a sideman by Gary Burton at the recommendation of Chick Corea. Smith signed with Blue Note in 1989, recording 1990's Burton-produced fusion/post-bop date Peeping Tom and 1991's straight-ahead Standards. After finishing up at Berklee, Smith returned to Scotland, where he signed with the Glasgow-based Linn label and recorded several albums in the mid- to late '90s: Misty Morning & No Time, Reminiscence, Beasts of Scotland, Azure, and the Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn tribute The Sound of Love. Blue Smith, his first release of the new century, followed in the spring of 2000.

"Evolution" is his last efforf recorded in 2005 with a bunch of great musicians: Joe Lovano, John Scofield, John Taylor, John Patitucci and Bill Stewart. Enjoy! (135MB)

Gerry Mulligan Quartet: Dragonfly (1995) mp3 @ 320K

On what was probably Gerry Mulligan's last studio album (recorded less than a year before his death), the great baritonist is heard still in prime form. He contributed all ten compositions and the emphasis is on lyricism and slower tempoes; only three songs are taken above a medium pace. There are fine cameos by Grover Washington Jr. on tenor and soprano (during the first two numbers), cornetist Warren Vache and trumpeter Ryan Kisor. In addition, guitarist John Scofield and vibraphonist Dave Samuels (who both played with Jeru in the 1970's) are on many of the tracks and pianist Dave Grusin is on some although there is no identification as to which songs. A five-piece brass section was overdubbed on a later occasion. But even with the guests, the focus is generally on Gerry Mulligan and his longtime quartet. The music is thoughtful and tasteful although it is doubtful if any of the tunes will ever catch on as standards. This is a tasteful if not quite essential final effort by Mulligan, who seems to have ended his very important career quite peacefully.