Artist John Scofield

Few guitarists have weathered the dreck and trends of the last three decades with as much taste and success as John Scofield, who collates soul, funk, rock, and jazz into a style that bears only the brightest elements of fusion. The virtuoso is perhaps most well-known for his collaborations with Medeski, Martin & Wood, starting on 1997's A Go Go, but his latest project takes a more old-school approach. On Piety Street, Scofield and band unleash their jazz chops on a dozen classic gospel songs, including "Motherless Child" and "I'll Fly Away." While mostly staying true to the original intentions of the material, Scofield's adventurous attitude puts a new spin on the old songs that's eye-opening if sometimes over-reaching.

Updated 04/01/2009