JOHN SCOFIELD — ScoLoHoFo: Oh! (review)

JOHN SCOFIELD — ScoLoHoFo: Oh! album cover Album · 2003 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
js
Oh!” is the only album put out by early 21st century jazz super group, scolohofo. Unlike other “super-groups” who don’t really connect as individuals, scolohofo had spent time on the road together before they recorded this CD and had already developed a strong sense of interplay. In fact, the best feature of this disc is the way lead soloists Joe Lovano and John Scofield interact. The music on here is abstract and intellectual post bop of the variety developed by the Miles Davis quintet, but just like Miles and his crew, this music may be complex and hi-brow, but its also bluesy and street-wise at the same time. The musicians definitely work up a sweat on a couple numbers, and aren’t afraid to move outside with their solos, but there is also a certain sense of modern cool that keeps a reign on too much indulgence. This is best typified by Lovano’s sax technique where he will peak off a solo with a ‘scream’, but it’s a sort of controlled whispered scream.

Some top cuts include “The Winding Way” , with its great funky melody, and “New Amstredam”, a lengthy number that features simultaneous solos from Sco and Lo. “Shorter Form” and the opening title cut are good and “Bittersweet” is a nice ballad. As this lengthy CD wears on, the playing remains top notch, but some tunes seem to be lacking in memorable melody or discernible differences in texture. Fortunately things close on a strong note with the bluesy “Oh I See”.

John Scofield has recorded a lot of great funky fusion records over the years, but fans of his jazz playing were happy to hear him take on some challenging chord changes for a change, while being accompanied by some of the best musicians available.
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