I have been savoring each crisp observe from guitarist John Scofield’s Uncle John’s Band for a bit now. The trio format, I consider, is Scofield’s calling – he has crafted a definite strategy to his guitar taking part in that works finest with skeletal, however strong, accompaniment, like on his ECM debit Swallow Tales (ECM, 2020) and years prior on Enroute (Verve, 2004) , each with drummer Invoice Stewart and bassist Steve Swallow. Final yr, Scofield launched the solo album, John Scofield (ECM, 2022), and whereas it was an gratifying launch with some stand-out tunes, the recording additionally highlighted the shortage of accompaniment and interplay as Scofield’s solo work, generally, depends on the looping pedal somewhat than self-standing intricate chord-melody preparations. On his new double CD launch, the setting is excellent: Scofield’s sharp, typically snarky strains and gripping tonal clusters are given a typically refined, and typically brawny, raise from this new-ish trio.

Really, the guitarist’s pairing with ECM is a considerably standard one. Whereas on the one hand, he’s within the lineage of his friends on the label – Pat Metheny, John Abercrombie, and Invoice Frisell, he does not essentially have an as simply tailored “ECM sound.” There was one recording, the superb Quiet (Verve, 1996), that recommended {that a} much less edgier sound for the guitarist was fairly possible, however actually not signature. So, whereas the label typically brings a sure form to the sound of its releases, Scofield is brings his factor to Uncle John’s Band, and the outcomes are implausible. 

There are a few pop/rock gems that he has organized, that are as soon as each nostalgic and given a brand new lease on life. For instance, the title observe, an evergreen Grateful Useless gem is an easy, catchy earworm, and on this association, its attraction is enhanced. The sunshine, harmonious melody is encapsulated in selection chord voicings and a syncopated supply. The observe additionally beneficial properties gravitas and momentum by way of Vicente Archer’s bass strains and Invoice Stewart’s drumming.

After the nice and cozy welcome of ‘Mr. Tamborine Man,’ we’re dropped deep into Scofield’s consolation zone. ‘How Deep,’ you ask? Nicely, sure, it’s. Sparky, melodic strains ping pong off of his bandmates’ insistent, driving pulse. Stewart, a Scofield veteran is aware of precisely the place the accents ought to go and newcomer Archer has no downside filling in the remaining on upright bass. The 2 give the guitarist loads of help to stretch out with an acerbic solo, pushing and pulling the strain with an instinctive really feel. The comply with up, ‘TV Band,’ finds the guitarist delving into the groove that he has explored together with his works like Groove Elation (Blue Notice, 1995) and his varied forays with Medeski, Martin and Wooden (i.e.: A Go Go, Verve, 1998). After a strummed chord determine, Stewart and Archer kick in with a easy rhythmic line that opens right into a head-bopping tune. The primary disc wraps up with Neil Younger’s ‘Outdated Man,’ delivered with a questioning introduction and resulting in folk-rock accented association with some nicely positioned outside-the-lines observe decisions.