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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0731453997929 Label: Polygram Records Manufacturer: Polygram Records Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Polygram Records Release Date: April 07, 1998 Sales Rank: 21745 Studio: Polygram Records
Album Details: Japanese Release featuring Two Bonus Tracks: Like it Or Not, and Hope Springs Eternal.
Amazon.com: John Scofield's stature as a modern jazz master on electric guitar puts him in a sweet spot for this simmering, sexy collaboration with acid jazz pathfinders Medeski, Martin and Wood, Scofield's taut and spicy lines striking sparks against the soulful grooves pitched by drummer Billy Martin, keyboard colorist John Medeski, and bassist Chris Wood. Far from a cheap commercial shot, the leader's plunge into this reheated '60s style is appropriately redolent of its funk heritage and his own astringent command of sharp lyrical and smart harmonic asides. --Sam Sutherland
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Good, but barely average for Sco
This is a good album, though a few of the tracks are fairly uninspired. Not sure why it's so highly praised. I think MMW freaks are more into it than Sco freaks. I'm a Sco freak, and to my ears, he's recorded much better albums. (Hand Jive, Groove Elation, Uberjam, Up All Night, Bump). MMW's music is a bit too diffuse for me; I don't have the patience to wait around for them to get inspired. Scofield's music is much more focused and disciplined, even when he's "jamming." Neither his writing nor his playing on this album are up to his usual standards.
Rating: - One of My New Favorites!
I have always liked Medeski, Martin, and Wood but am quite sensitive to two downsides of them: (a) they often go way too "out there"; and (b) they often seem to jam for jams sake - no structure. As for Scofield - well - I've never really liked him. His style is generally too "noodly" and not driving enough for me.
All of these flaws are amply erased - and all members' strongpoints are intensified - with this recording. MMW makes Scofield "hip" and Scofield reins MMW in. The combination sounds not like a trio +1, but like a quartet who has been together for ages.
Rating: - Taming the MMW beast. I recommend this cd.
Although I like much of what MMW do, I sometimes feel they "miss the point" by getting too hashed-out or weird for weird's sake. So it's good to see them "tamed" on this release. Maybe Scofield demands they behave...? I like much of this cd because there are pieces that likely could be played "live" in pretty much their current form, as opposed to either drastically stripping them down or needing looping/extra players/computers because they rely too heavily on heavy studio/computer treatments. This seems more like what Booker T and the MGs might have sounded like if they had to survive ... Read More
Rating: - A Go Go
John Scofield, along with Medeski, Martin, & Wood, offers a great combination to produce excellent jazz. The upbeat tempos and funk-based bass lines are all wonderful, however, I found the CD at times to be monotonous in tone and often lacking in the variety part of it. Though great as it might be, and as much skill as it takes (as a guitarist I would know), I'd have to give this a 3.5 star because it lacks in variety and development in the songs. Perhaps the first 4 songs are original and wonderful, it truly impressed me, after that it gets kind of old...until you get to Hottentot. This is ... Read More
Rating: - Old Meets New
Legend John Scofeild playing with Medeski, Martin and Wood? Whats not too like? I guess the argument about it being a bit repetitive from track-to-track and leaning too [...] the sharp nine is valid. But so what? If you're in the mood for some guitar driven jazz/funk this will suit you just fine. As for calling the tracks on this album "throw aways" and then comparing them to "Kind of Blue" (one of the most prolific albums in jazz history) -- that is sheer [...].
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