WORTH A LISTEN
Rating: 
In some ways, Bump is reminiscent of many other John Scofield dates. This was far from the first time he explored New Orleans funk, and it would not be the last.
The difference here is that, despite a fairly large cast of musicians (bassists Tony Scherr, Chris Wood, and David Livolsi; drummers Eric Kalb and Kenny Wollesen; and percussionists Johnny Almendra and Johnny Durkin), the focus is relentlessly on Scofield. The other musicians function as a kind of living rhythm machine. For all of the variety in their playing, not to mention rhythmic, harmonic and tonal interest, Scofield could almost have programmed their contributions and done the record solo.
Scofield himself is in fine form as usual. It would be more interesting for me if he would indulge in more scalar and harmonic inventions, but I understand he wasn’t into that at the time.
I adore Scofield’s playing, and I love his take on the New Orleans style, but Bump is really kind of on the dull side. It’s a fun enough listen, but I expect more from Scofield.
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