Guitarist John Scofield certainly doesn’t have anything to prove at this point in his career, but he’s nevertheless at a creative zenith. Recently getting a Grammy for his Hudson album, he switches his team around and brings together Gerald Clayton/p-org, Vicente Archer/b and longtime buddy Bill Stewart/dr for an album to celebrate his 66th year on earth.
His personal tone is in perfect form here, and almost all of the tunes are from Sco’s pen as well. The fusion “Can’t Dance” is an aggressive swinger with some assertive rhythmic interplay, with Clayton getting in some impressive soloing along with the leader. Ditto for “Icons at the Fair” which has Stewart flexing muscles with Scofield’s strings as Clayton pulls out the plugs. The team shows its swing chops on the fun “Willa Jean” and the waltzing “Uncle Southern” which has Scofield digging into the Cumberland gap, and “New Waltz” has Scofield and company rocking out with delight. Most delightful is the understated “I’m Sleeping” which finds the six stringer in a reflective mood.
It’s encouraging to see Scofield at such an inspired stage of his career; he’s presently on tour with this band, so try to catch this icon in your town.