Guitarist-composer John Scofield is a gentle, soulful guy. Whenever we talk by email, he's as relaxed as someone you'd meet at a Vermont or Wyoming country store. That's quite a contrast from the monster player you hear on his many recordings. But that's the beauty of John. He reminds me of guitarist Jim Hall, who also played with enormous edge but had a neighborly demeanor when off-duty.
John's new album, Combo 66 (Verve), is an intoxicating blend of jazz sensibilities, rock emotions and country touches. Joining John on the album are Gerald Clayton on piano and organ, Vicente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums. John turned 66 last December, so the "66" in Combo relates to his age. John works through nine originals on his Ibanez guitars, which produce his signature hard, ringing tone. The way John bends notes, they sound like a singing voice processed through taut electrified wire.
When I lived in Boston in the 1970s, my first floor apartment faced the trolley line on Huntington Avenue. Late at night, when car traffic faded away and the last drunken students let off their final shouts, I'd listen to the stillness outside as the electric wires above the tracks started to ping, twitch and moan signaling the approach of a distant streetcar. John's playing on songs like Can't Dance and I'm Sleeping In remind me of those late-night live-wire "concerts." There's a communication between fingers on strings, the stillness of darkness and momentum of metal.
Other favorites on the album include King of Belgium, New Waltzo, Willa Jean and Icons at the Fair. Speaking of Boston in the 1970s, there's also a jazz fusion feel on many of these songs. But honestly, the fusion term is far too simplistic and broad for John's music. What you hear on Combo 66 are feverish explorations as John weaves together a range of music styles and expressions. His attacks range from the poetic to the furious, and they all come together neatly in a connected narrative. Best of all, his trio is gorgeously edgy and luxuriantly supportive. [Photo above of Miles Davis and John Scofield courtesy of John Scofield]
Make room on that crowded shelf, John. Sounds like a fresh batch of Grammys are headed your way next spring.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find John Scofield's Combo 66 (Verve) here.
You'll also find the album at Spotify.
JazzWax clips: Here's Can't Dance. The song, like the rest of the album, has a perfect autumnal sound. I'd love to drive through New England listening to this one...
And here's I'm Sleeping In...
