Jazzmatazz Review - John Scofield

John Scofield

Works For Me
(Verve)

Jazz guitarist John Scofield's last few outings have emphasized the funkier side of his music. He gets back to straightahead jazz on his new release, Works For Me, which features an all-star pickup group of alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Billy Higgins.

McBride and Higgins act as a propulsive rhythm section—Billy Higgins, as always is astounding, keeping up the momentum with a wash of cymbals and counter-rhythms. Mehldau has some elegant, understated soloing on the piano. Kenny Garrett's playing works well with Scofield's, whose somewhat dry tone meshes well with Garrett's sound. Despite not being a regular working band, the group works together very well—they function as an ensemble—it's not just a soloist with a rhythm section.

All the tunes are by Scofield except for one group improvisation. Sco's compositions are nice tunes in a post-bop vein but still with a bit of a funk/soul feel and allow space for good soloing all around. Scofield and Garrett have some twisting, angular solos.

I'm glad Scofield has returned to jazz for this recording: Works For Me is an enjoyable listen. It worked for him, it works for me—maybe it'll work for you.

— Alan Lankin, April 2001

Release Date: 13 March 2001

Works For Me

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last update 1 April 2001