A Go Go

CD Details

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John Scofield’s stature as a modern jazz master on electric guitar puts him in a sweet spot for this simmering, sexy collaboration with acid jazz pathfinders Medeski, Martin and Wood, Scofield’s taut and spicy lines striking sparks against the soulful grooves pitched by drummer Billy Martin, keyboard colorist John Medeski, and bassist Chris Wood. Far from a cheap commercial shot, the leader’s plunge into this reheated ’60s style is appropriately redolent of its funk heritage and his own astringent command of sharp lyrical and smart harmonic asides. –Sam Sutherland

Product Description

A “nasty,” groove-oriented record, a Go Go is fueled by the raw synergy forged between famed jazz guitarist John Scofield and the premier organ trio of the ’90s: John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood (whose youthful audience has made the trio’s last 2 releases resounding best-sellers). This album is a monster funk epic that will appeal to MMW’s large fan base, as well as Scofield’s loyal following. Expect multi-format airplay starting with a #1 hit at college jazz radio!

Review

As a follow-up to the most sophisticated and gorgeous sounding record of his career (1996’s Quest) … John Scofield dips back into the grease with rib-eating gusto on A Go Go, his jaunty encounter with Medieski Martin & Wood. Like Jim Hall with Bill Evans and Jimmy Nolen with James Brown, this match was made in heaven…. [Medieski Martin & Wood] are flexible enough and funky enough to follow the guitarist’s lead. Plus, their organic hookup and syncopated tendencies tweak Sco’s nastiest sensibilities. The result is a groovefest full of glorious, bent-not abandon, skronking harmonics, and no doubt lots of grimacing by Mr. Scofield…. Of course, John has gone to this funky well before…. But none of those efforts were as completely realized and thoroughly funky as A Go Go. — Jazz Times

Joined by Medeski, Martin, and Wood, [Scofield] attacks funk-meets-New-Orleans-ish tunes with his typical blend of the brainy and gutsy. . . . — Entertainment Weekly

[Medeski, Martin & Wood] set the scene with everything from James Brown chatterunk to down home soul and second line New Orleans rhythms while Scofield plays stuttering, flinty licks on top. This isn’t just a simple groove machine either. These musicians aren’t afraid to improvise and throw in surprises, like the lazy acoustic guitar rhythm on “Jeep on 35″…. Scofield is at his best with some tough and nasty licks; the trio falls in with him like they’ve all played together for years. This CD sweats from beginning to end. — Option