John Scofield solo 13-05-23

za 13 mei '23

Solo debut with ECM

In a career spanning more than half a century, acclaimed jazz guitarist John Scofield is doing something new by releasing his first-ever solo guitar recording. It is his second recording with ECM after his 2020 release Swallow Tales.

The solo album draws on Scofield's wealth of experience and knowledge gained during his prolific music career, referencing all the styles and genres he has acquired along the way. Think of a body of work from jazz and fusion to blues, soul and rock, in bands with other greats such as Miles Davis, Joe Lovano, Herbie Hancock, Bill Frisell and Jaco Pastorius.

Now he explores the stage and his instrument on his own. He explores different chords and rhythmic accompaniments using a looping machine. You won't want to miss this one.

Read Scofield's letter via "read more".

"My main focus in guitar playing has always centered around being part of a group; exploring the music that happens when musicians listen to each other and improvise together. Quite frankly, until now, I’ve avoided playing solo concerts. I still have occasional nightmares about playing Greensleeves for my sixth grade class! It gets pretty lonely up there by yourself and I hadn't considered solo guitar as the perfect platform for improvising. Not to mention that I’m no Segovia either!

All that said, after playing guitar for 56 years, I’m finally interested in going it alone and exploring the possibilities. It's taken me decades to realize that I’ve been playing unaccompanied guitar at home or in hotel rooms every day since 1962! I’ve put a lot of thought in lately to how I can present an evening of solo guitar that represents my passions and sensibilities.

My idea is to keep it song based, playing jazz, country and rock tunes that I love as well as some of my original compositions. I plan to employ my Looper pedal occasionally when I want to play over myself. I've been preparing for nearly a year, working my brain in new directions while looking forward to these shows with excitement and a small bit of trepidation. I hope you enjoy being on this journey with me.“

John Scofield