John Scofield is so unassumingly exceptional that it’s only natural to take the guitarist and his rapidly expanding catalog for granted. He tours relentlessly while issuing a steady stream of recordings. Combo 66, the latest album in his vast discography, is (ho hum) excellent. Joined by keyboardist Gerald Clayton, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart, Scofield grooves like a Wurlitzer jukebox stocked with Grant Green and Jimi Hendrix singles. In addition to acting as a party-starter, Scofield plays with breathtaking grace on lovely melodies including “I’m Sleeping In.” Yet it’s Clayton’s singular work on organ and piano that will compel me to return to Combo 66 years from now.
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I write weekly concert previews for The Kansas City Star.
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I reviewed a performance by Ryan Lee’s Mezzo String for Plastic Sax.
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The material Otis Rush recorded for the Cobra label in the 1950s epitomizes what I want from the blues (and most other forms of music, really.) Raw songs like “Groaning the Blues” and “Double Trouble” have terrified, thrilled and inspired me for decades. Rush died last week.
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Charles Aznavour has died.
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Latin jazz legendJerry González has died.
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Studio wizard Geoff Emerick has died. (Tip via BGO.)
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The most interesting aspect of Giorgio Moroder’s appearance at the Truman last week was the way in which individual members the audience of about 600 responded to each selection. I was there primarily for the Donna Summer hits, but most people only became fully energized when the influential producer’s contributions to movie soundtracks like “Top Gun,” “Flashdance” and “The Neverending Story” filled the room with processed cheese.
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Chic’s It’s About Time doesn’t damage Niles Rodgers’ legacy. RIYL: “Good Times,” dance floors, “I Want Your Love.”
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The lithe production of No Name’s Room 25 won’t bump in anyone’s whip. Even so, it’s an entirely winning hip-hop album. RIYL: Dessa, taking a break from Cardi and Nicki, Chance the Rapper.
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I remember when Lil Wayne was the best rapper alive. While it’s not a disaster, Tha Carter V saddens me.
(Original image of John Scofield and Bill Stewart at the Kansas City Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2017 by There Stands the Glass.)
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