For the John Scofield fans hoping to hear the experimental funk of his "Uberjam" days-or even the straight-up soul of the 2005 release "That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles" -his appearance at the Stone Church in Newmarket last Sunday came as a pleasant surprise.
Accompanied by Larry Grenadier on bass, Bill Stewart on drums and a full horn section, which included Grenadier's brother, Phil, the group demonstrated an air of virtuosity combined with an attitude of playful improvisation rarely found in contemporary jazz. Of course, the funk and soul was not lacking in Scofield's performance; rather, we find hints of his musical past in a concert which reflected not only rhythm and blues influences, but a newfound sense of roots music unique to our American heritage.
Listening to his 2004 release "En Route"-a live album recorded with rhythm section Steve Swallow, replaced by Larry Grenadier at the Stone Church, and Bill Stewart-one already starts to hear the intense, focused sound, which the group fully developed on Scofield's recent release "This Meets That."
In the latter recording of mostly John Scofield original compositions, strong rhythmic and harmonic dissonances reminiscent of Miles Davis' fusion years clash with Dylan-esque folk melodies in the context of a groove firmly rooted in traditional New Orleans swing. In a live setting, this presented the audience with a type of tension and release which combined frenzied guitar wailing with simple melodies that you could sing and dance along to.
What I found truly unique in Scofield's performance was the excitement with which he presented every song, from a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" to traditional tunes such as "The House of the Rising Sun." In this way, the musical approach is firmly rooted in the tradition of our American jazz music in which musicians use "standard" melodies and tunes to create his or her own renditions and improvisations.
However, in Sunday's performance there were no clichés as Scofield mixed and matched slide guitar lullabies with up-tempo bebop shredding, constantly pushed and pulled by Bill Stewart's suggestive drum accompaniment.
At the Stone Church-a venue which has always managed to mix sophisticated musical tastes with jam-band-like party music-John Scofield and his band fit right in. Aside from great musicianship, Newmarket was able to witness the stylings of a true genius of American music Sunday night, as Scofield reminded us of a strong history that music has not only as aural entertainment but also as a celebration of our cultural roots.
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