John Scofield - Blue Matter (1987)

BLUE MATTER is finger-poppin' good. Sco's brand of jazz/blues rock is red-hot and scorching on this superb set, aided by journeyman Dennis Chambers on the traps, keyboardist Mitchell Forman, Weather Report alumnus Don Alias (providing percussives), and engaging bassist Gary Grainger. In fact, Grainger's funk-pop licks are what anchor the superb title track to earth, providing the right base for Scofield's conversant guitar fronds and Forman's dreamy keys.

On "Trim", Scofield bounces some Wes Montgomery spikes all over a rousing funkscape. The disc also offers the brash urban kickstep of "So You Say" and the introspective frissons surrounding "Time Marches On." Like fellow guitar master Pat Metheny, Scofield understands subtlety and finesse. He knows when to amplify and when to relax. With BLUE MATTER, he demonstrates that his ability to swing finds its ideal middle ground between both poles.



Personnel:

John Scofield - guitar
Gary Grainger - bass
Mitchel Forman - keyboards
Hiram Bullock - rhythm guitar
Don Alias - percussion
Dennis Chambers - drums



Tracks:

1. Blue Matter (5:47)
2. Trim (7:33)
3. Heaven Hill (4:28)
4. So You Say (4:34)
5. Now She's Blonde (5:32)
6. Make Me (2:53)
7. The Nag (4:18)
8. Time Marches On (7:32)