by John Scofield
The latest release from jazz guitarist John Scofield sees him re-unite with the band from his 2002 album Uberjam. The use of technology is very apparent in the Uberjam band, as drummer Adam Deitch plays electronic drums, and the addition of rhythm guitarist Avi Bortnick (who is also triggering loops and samples) gives Sco lots of space to drift over the top. Much like the first Uberjam record, the tunes go through a plethora of musical styles, but always emphasising strong solid grooves. This album however ups the ante on the interplay between Scofield and Bortnick, and these tunes have many composed sections where they play riffs that interwine rhythmically. No mournful ballads to be found here, although there is an unusual (for Scofield) foray into dub on ‘Dub Dub’. Highlights include ‘Cracked Ice’, with its razor sharp guitar tone and relentless shaker, as well as the Afrobeat inflected ‘Snake Dance. Keyboard wizard John Medeski makes a few welcome cameos, hiding deep in the mix adding some organ washes to ‘Dub Dub’ and ‘Boogie Stupid’ as well as waves of mellotron in ‘Curtis Knew’. This is funky, upbeat set of tunes that will make a great soundtrack to summer.
by Adam Rudegeair - Black Wax (Mondays from 11am-1pm)
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