John
Scofield's guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70’s and
is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic
diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally
falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B.
Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, Scofield took up the guitar
at age 11, inspired by both rock and blues players. He attended Berklee
College of Music in Boston. After a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and
Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for
two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary
Burton quartet. He began his international career as a bandleader and
recording artist in 1978. From 1982-1985, Scofield toured and recorded with
Miles Davis. His Davis stint placed him firmly in the foreground of jazz
consciousness as a player and composer.
Since that time he has prominently led his own groups in the international
Jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics)
including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny,
Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad
Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack
DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He’s played and recorded with Tony
Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland,
Terumasa Hino among many jazz legends. Throughout his career Scofield has
punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music.
All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind.
Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is
an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband and father
of two.