This 1993 recording is one of John Scofield's best, with a band that adds the soul-jazz veteran Eddie Harris to a group of the guitarist's regular associates, Larry Goldings on keyboards, Dennis Irwin on bass, Bill Stewart... more » on drums, and Don Alias on percussion. Perhaps it's the mix of the familiar rhythm section with the novelty of playing with Harris, a player with a similar penchant for inside funk, outside approaches, and altered sounds, but Scofield is unusually animated. He digs into the rhythmic grooves and develops extended ideas throughout, most notably on "I'll Take Les" and "Do Like Eddie," tributes to the onetime partnership of Harris and pianist McCann. Goldings is outstanding on piano as well as organ, and everyone involved contributes to making this a high point in contemporary soul jazz. --Stuart Broomer« less
This 1993 recording is one of John Scofield's best, with a band that adds the soul-jazz veteran Eddie Harris to a group of the guitarist's regular associates, Larry Goldings on keyboards, Dennis Irwin on bass, Bill Stewart on drums, and Don Alias on percussion. Perhaps it's the mix of the familiar rhythm section with the novelty of playing with Harris, a player with a similar penchant for inside funk, outside approaches, and altered sounds, but Scofield is unusually animated. He digs into the rhythmic grooves and develops extended ideas throughout, most notably on "I'll Take Les" and "Do Like Eddie," tributes to the onetime partnership of Harris and pianist McCann. Goldings is outstanding on piano as well as organ, and everyone involved contributes to making this a high point in contemporary soul jazz. --Stuart Broomer
"I admit it -- not all of Scofield's work is to my taste -- some of it is a bit esoteric and left brained. But this CD has got to appeal to anyone who just loves a solid groove and a love of the blues. It is warm and funky and soulful, as well as intricate. If you admired Eddie Harris/Les McCann in the 1960's/70's (think "Swiss Movement"),think of this as a very contemporary update. The CD combines the Harris/McCann signature propulsive eigth note groove with some very tasty sax and guitar unisons. Add drumeister Bill Stewart's work (which I'm still vainly trying to transcribe and play) and this thing just sings. Highly recommended, even if you don't consider yourself a hardcore jazz fan or Scofield fan. This disc will make you bounce down the street for the first few weeks you listen."
Hidden Gem
06/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sco is alway doing something interesting but one doesn't always like it (even if it's good - e.g. "Quiet" a few years ago). This album, however, is not only very good but also almost impossible not to like (at least given a moderate exposure to, and taste for, jazz). It's a great "gotta work in the evening album" and "friends over for dinner" too. Eddie Harris on sax is in top form - a real cooker. In short, it won't make many people's desert island lists but it belongs on most of their bookshelves. Highly recommended."
My Favorite Scofield Album
S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 05/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't beleive that only two people have reviewed this outstanding collection! This disk features some fine ensemble playing and great, gritty soloing by Scofield and the "Electrifying" Eddie Harris. Anyone who got onboard with latter Scofield Cd's like A-Go-Go would be well advised to check this one out."
This cooks!
David Anderson | 06/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What totally tasty stuff! Great grooves here. Sounds like everyone was feeling good with lots of creative juices were flowing. Very good sound on this recording. Whip up some hand jive, it feels great."
Very Funky Jazz!
David Anderson | New York, NY | 04/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very funky recording, a soul-jazz throwback to the music of saxophonist Eddie Harris -- who as a guest star on the CD makes the connection even more obvious. The organ/guitar grooves are terrific!
Not just for jazz fans, I've had friends who don't like jazz say they like this CD. Even more accessible is the CD Scofield a la Go Go with Medeski Martin & Wood. This CD is funkier, that one more poppy."