John Scofield is an American composer and guitarist who has revolutionized the world of music. He has been at the forefront of jazz fusion, collaborating with musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Lovano and John Patitucci. He is renowned for his personal and varied style.
John Scofield biography
John Scofield was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1951. From an early age, he showed an interest in different styles of music, particularly jazz. His musical career began as a child. By the age of 13, he was already playing in local clubs, and by 15 he was performing regularly in concert halls.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Scofield moved to New York City and began working with renowned artists such as George Duke, Steve Khan and Gil Evans. In 1979, the guitarist released his first solo album, “Bright Size Life”, to critical acclaim. His second album, “Electric Outlet”, was released in 1984 to rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
John Scofield’s unique style
Since his early days, John Scofield has developed a unique and highly personal style that harmoniously combines blues, funk and jazz. He is famous for his ability to improvise and create complex, innovative solos. Scofield is also known for his dynamic, rousing stage performances that always delight crowds. He is considered one of jazz’s finest guitarists.
Dynamic, original music
John Scofield’s music is characterized by powerful dynamics and intense expressiveness. Indeed, his compositions are always highly varied and interesting, blending modern sounds with funk rhythms and jazz improvisations. Scofield’s music is inspired by a variety of musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and George Benson.
As a musician, John Scofield is particularly adept at improvisation. His solos are always imaginative and full of subtleties that give each piece its own color. What’s more, he’s equally adept with effects (distortion, chorus, etc.).
John Scofield’s discography and collaborations
John Scofield has released some forty albums since his debut. Some of his best-known solo albums are “Time on My Hands” (1990), “Überjam” (2002) and “Country for Old Men” (2016). He has also collaborated with numerous artists, including Miles Davis, Dave Holland, Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau. In addition, Scofield has toured the world and performed at prestigious concert halls and festivals.
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Label |
| John Scofield (1977) | 1977 | Trio |
| John Scofield Live | 1977 | Enja |
| East Meets West | 1977 | Black-Hawk, Bellophon |
| Rough House | 1978 | Enja |
| Who’s Who? | 1979 | Arista / Novus |
| Four Keys | 1979 | MPS |
| Bar Talk (1980) | 1980 | Arista |
| Out Like a Light | 1981 | Enja |
| Shinola | 1981 | Enja |
| Electric Outlet | 1984 | Gramavision |
| Still Warm (1985) | 1985 | Gramavision |
| Blue Matter | 1986 | Gramavision |
| Loud Jazz | 1987 | Gramavision |
| Pick Hits Live | Gramavision | |
| Flat Out | 1988 | Gramavision |
| Time on My Hands | 1990 | Blue Note |
| Meant to Be | 1991 | Blue Note |
| Grace Under Pressure | 1992 | Blue Note |
| What We Do | 1993 | Blue Note |
| I Can See Your House From Here (with Pat Metheny) | 1994 | Blue Note |
| Hand Jive | 1994 | Blue Note |
| Groove Elation | 1995 | Verve |
| Quiet | 1996 | Verve |
| A Go Go’ | 1998 | Verve |
| Bump | 2000 | Verve |
| Works For Me | 2001 | Verve |
| Überjam | 2002 | Verve |
| Oh! (with ScoLoHoFo) | 2003 | Blue Note |
| Up All Night | 2003 | Verve |
| Scorched (with Mark-Anthony Turnage) | 2004 | Deutsche Grammophon |
| That’s What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles | 2005 | Verve |
| Saudades (with Trio Beyond) | 2006 | ECM |
| This Meets That | 2007 | Emarcy |
| Piety Street | 2009 | Emarcy |
| 54 | 2010 | Emarcy |
| A Moment’s Peace | 2011 | Emarcy |
| Überjam 2 | 2013 | Universal |
| Past Present | 2015 | Universal |
| Country for old men | 2016 | Impulse! |
| Hudson | 2017 | Motéma |
| Combo 66 | 2018 | Verve |
| Swallow Tales | 2020 | ECM |
| John Scofield | 2022 | ECM |
With Medeski, Martin and Wood
| Title | Year | Label |
| A Go Go | 1998 | Verve |
| Out Louder (2 versions) | 2006 | Indirecto |
| In Case the World Changes Its Mind – Live (live album) | 2011 | Indirecto |
Compilations and stage albums
| Title | Year | Label |
| Best of John Scofield | 1989 | Blue Note |
| Slo Sco: The Best of the Ballads | 1990 | Gramavision |
| Liquid Fire: The Best of John Scofield | 1994 | Gramavision |
| Steady Groovin’: The Blue Note Groove Sides | 2000 | Blue Note |
| En Route: John Scofield Trio Live | 2004 | Verve |
Uninterrupted touring
John Scofield continues to tour the world and produce new albums. Since his debut, he has played at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival and others. In 2010, he took part in New York’s “Winter Jazzfest” and gave concerts across the USA and Canada.
In 2012, he embarked on a world tour with the “Überjam Band”. During his tour, he visited several European countries, including France, and performed at renowned clubs and festivals, including Le Trianon and Les Nuits de Fourvière. More recently, in 2016, John Scofield embarked on a tour of the United States and gave a concert as part of the Jazz in Marciac festival.
An internationally renowned artist
Throughout his long career, John Scofield has received numerous distinctions. In 1988, he was nominated for three Grammy Awards, winning “Best Instrumental Album” for his album “Still Warm”. In 2003, he received the Downbeat Critics Poll Award, and in 2011, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
John Scofield is undoubtedly one of jazz’s finest guitarists and composers. His innovative, expressive music is appreciated by fans the world over and continues to fascinate musicians. With a career spanning more than 30 years, he is still very active, offering regular concerts all over the world.
John Scofield’s legacy
During his long career, John Scofield had a major impact on the world of music. His unique, innovative style has remained timeless and inspiring. What’s more, he helped popularize jazz in the United States and around the world. Finally, he inspired many other artists and paved the way for new musical genres. Today, Scofield is considered one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.