John Scofield - A Moment's Peace
John Scofield is a fellow guitarist whose recordings I am always pleased to see hit my mailbox for review. His albums are always interesting and varied musically. There is no doubt that Scofield not only enjoys many genres, and he is more than capable of proving quality music in them as well.
John Scofield’s guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70’s. He has a very distinctive sound, which combines a slightly overdriven and edgy tone with more conventional phrasing. He is a player whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B.
He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and after a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary Burton quartet. He began his international career as a bandleader and recording artist in 1978. From 1982-1985, Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis.
This effort, entitled A Moment’s Peace, finds him surrounded by a terrific all-star cast of musicians. Larry Goldings (Piano/Organ), Scott Colley (Bass) and Brian Blade (Drums) form the perfect rhythm section. Each player contributes equally to the final product, which is ballad based, but not just easy listening.
There are five original tunes penned by Scofield. Other selections include “I Will,” “Lawns,” “I Want To Talk About You,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “I Loves you Porgy.” Scofield shines throughout, and his tone ranges from bluesy and bright to slightly dirty and funky.
The music is described as “relaxed, but fresh and energetic,” and this project definitely achieves that goal. It should be a welcome addition to the collection of any John Scofield fan.
eric (12 years ago)
Where is the review to the album? this is more like a history lesson on Sco than anything else. It seems this was written without even listening to any of the record?
The only comments about the album are quotes obviously from another review. GI is usually great when it comes to these articles, but when I excitingly clicked the link to read this, I was really disappointed as this gives absolutely no insight or thoughts on the music itself. If I wanted a track listing I can just look on the back of the CD or go to amazon and look at it. Sorry GI, this is just not a good “review” as you can barely even call it that.
Rick Landers (12 years ago)
Eric – Thank you for your comments. In response to your note, as well as discussions our editor (Matt Warnock) and I have recently had, we believe we need to revisit our writers’ guidelines to ensure Guitar International articles, interviews and reviews exceed the expectations of our readers. We welcome and encourage constructive comments, such as yours, that help us improve our magazine in a manner that adds value to our readers. Best Regards,
Rick (Publisher)
Denis McKeown (12 years ago)
The ‘review’ was perhaps a little too light, but it was rather ‘jazz’ so thank you. I would happily write a review, touching on the poetry of the song of the ballad of the guitar. Did not your reviewer mention balance where each instrument is graced with equal weight, which is lovely and right. I hear the tone of the guitar, being a guitarist, and see it glissend (is there such a word?) and tease (yes there is). There is gentle bite in the attack of the guitar, nipping at your ears perhaps, late at night, and bedding down with a soft snore.
OK, so let’s review the tracks. I click through each up to track 7 (“johan”) before being arrested by a strong melodic drive of tone. That is a long time to wait. Let’s try that again … Well, I suppose “Simply Put” is warm and offers a melodic pull, but one too familiar I think. Moving on, “I Will” is nicely discursive of the Beatles I will, and yes rather sweet. The bite is there though I wonder about that electric organ. So perhaps not a full endorsement – oh, no, that awful electric organ (what is it, “keys” is that it?).
I suddenly decide the album may not deserve my time, so sorry .. checking out. Still, I seem to be drawn back to “Plain song” – yes very nice.
Should a review come to some conclusion? Probably not where the music is rather nice, perhaps yes where electric piano is intrusive as here.
4 out of 10 I’m afraid. Bye, Denis!