Another great achievement with this re-mastered John Scofield vinyl from Universal Music Group.
John Scofield – A Go Go – Verve (1998)/Universal Music Group (2023) B0038117-01 180-gram stereo vinyl, 51:50 ****1/2:
(John Scofield – electric, acoustic guitar, whistle; Billy Martin – drums, tambourine; John Medeski – organ, Wurlitzer, clavinet, piano; Chris Wood – acoustic, electric bass)
As part of the renowned Verve By Request series, Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram re-mastered vinyl of the 1998 album, John Scofield A Go Go. This was his first recording with John Medeski, Billy Martin & Chris Wood. The veteran guitarist shows that he is equally comfortable in contemporary blues-infused jazz, as he brings funkiness and style to 10 original compositions. Side 1 opens with an atmospheric hook-laden jam on the title track. With the keyboard, bass and drums laying down a steady groove, Scofield eases into the flow with subtlety and emotive licks on electric guitar. His customary array of sonic effects is on display, but he remains in the cohesive vibe. Medeski’s organ notation is effectively complementary. “Chank” employs a r & b Memphis-inspired style, as the organ lead is hypnotic. Scofield’s first solo is crisp with punctuation and the trio envelops the guitar runs that are both jagged and fluid. Medeski’s energized solo is equal in delivery and soulful attitude. In the last verse, Scofield utilizes unconventional key changes. The infectious vibe permeates the album and the group chemistry is evident on the funk-infused “Boozer”. While there is some familiarity in the tempos and general arrangement, Scofield brings his jazz pedigree to expand the motifs. With a modified syncopated cadence, “Southern Pacific” has a free-spirited fusion dynamic with a distorted guitar. After an acoustic guitar intro to “Jeep On 35”, Scofield and Medeski combine on a finger-snapping unison lead. It feels like there is a call and response between the trio and Scofield. The quartet is at its artistic peak here.
The party continues on Side 2 with a difference. In a swaying almost Caribbean arrangement (“Kubrick”), this concise 2:14 number features Scofield’s tender acoustic guitar. Even in this abbreviated format, there is significant mood and texture. “Green Tea” reprises the accessible
bluesy sentiment with a simple counterpoint of guitar and electric piano. There are many jazzy accents on this cut. Picking up the pace, “Hottentot” delivers hooks and head-nodding articulation showcasing 70’s evocative chords and blistering guitar. Medeski delivers a gritty solo on organ. Revisiting syncopated funk (especially from the bass riffs of Chris Wood) on “Chicken Dog”, Scofield maneuvers in the structured play with compelling notation that embraces a “down ’n’ dirty” template, but adds an ethereal, relaxed (with organ sustain) facet. The finale, “Deadzy” is another “under 3 minute” gem with a looser feel. Scofield adds the right tonal effect to bring a spooky touch to the proceedings.
John Scofield A Go Go is a great album. It brings together the edginess of jazz and the approachable, broader appeal of r & b. The re-mastered sound mix (Kevin Reeves/East Iris Studios) is vibrant with excellent stereo separation.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
John Scofield – A Go Go
TrackList:
Side 1:
A Go Go;
Chank;
Boozer;
Southern Pacific;
Jeep On 35
Side 2:
Kubrick;
Green Tea;
Hottentot;
Chicken Dog;
Deadzy
