Hand Jive - John Scofield

Dec

1

Hand Jive - John Scofield

≡ Category: 1990s, Essential, Reviews, Soul Jazz |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

JAZZBO NOTES ESSENTIAL RECORDING

Rating:

Hand Jive (issued on the Blue Note label) was the first of a number of groove-oriented releases that guitarist John Scofield put out that had a New Orleans second line feel to it and in my opinion, the best.

There are two main reasons. Scofield is having a lot of fun because this style is new for him, and he’s making discoveries in his playing and in his relationship to the music. The second aspect that makes this date special is Scofield’s joy in his interactions with guest saxophonist Eddie Harris, not to mention his band.

Without the combustible mix of Dennis Irwin on bass, Larry Goldings on keyboards, the invaluable Don Alias on percussion, and Bill Stewart on drums, these cuts wouldn’t have the funky energy that they do.

There isn’t a whole lot more to say except Hand Jive is a great CD to put on if you have the blues and you want to lift your spirits.