ALBUM REVIEWS

****

JOHN SCOFIELD

“Time On My Hands”, Blue Note

Scofield makes his Blue Note debut with a set of originals that brings together all the elements of his evolving style, from fusion and blues to funk and straight-ahead jazz. Joined by a stellar group of players (including Joe Lovano on saxophones, Charlie Haden on bass and Jack DeJohnette on drums), Scofield is at the top of his form. Pieces like “So Sue Me” and “Farmacology” are rich with blues-based licks. Others--”Stranger To The Light”--is a good example--rocket through the outer limits of improvisation, with Lovano providing an abundant share of the energy. This is a superb example of contemporary jazz.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five stars (a classic).