There has been a John Scofield Trio at play since the late 70’s and it undisputedly remains his favorite format. The newest incarnation – Scofield on guitar, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart are having fun. They sail through tightly knit sets that typify the musical diversity that has colored Scofield’s long career: time honored jazz standards, rock and blues classics, savvy original Scofield compositions and whatever assorted off-the-cuff improvisations that turn up on a whim. More than just a collection of tunes, they play music that embodies the spirit that has kept improvisational jazz vigorous and visceral since its start.
Named for the Grateful Dead song that concludes Scofield’s inspired double album, Uncle John’s Band features masterful guitarist John Scofield at his most freewheeling. Scofield says, “All in all it’s a mixed bag of tunes but we treat them equally as vehicles for improvisation – not just covering the songs. It’s challenging. You don’t rely on arrangements as much as the intuitive way we play together. You rely on good playing knowing that there’s no safety net involved. We’re three musicians with a special synergy that unfolds between us. I think Trio is always some of my best playing. We hook up as a group and it brings us to satisfying places.”
