Description
John Scofield – Uncle John’s Band – Double Vinyl Record
John Scofield – Uncle John’s Band is a double album released on October 13, 2023 through ECM Records, showcasing the legendary jazz guitarist in a trio setting that’s both relaxed and exploratory. The title nods to the Grateful Dead classic, which Scofield reimagines here, but the album as a whole is less about tribute and more about capturing the free-flowing, improvisational spirit that has always defined his music. At this stage in his career, Scofield is deeply reflective yet playful, weaving together originals, standards, folk tunes, and unexpected covers in a way that feels conversational and intimate.
The trio—featuring Larry Grenadier on bass and Bill Stewart on drums—forms a powerhouse rhythm section. Grenadier, known for his work with Brad Mehldau and Pat Metheny, brings melodic sensitivity and a deep pocket, while Stewart, a longtime Scofield collaborator, adds his trademark elasticity and subtle groove. Together, they provide the perfect foundation for Scofield’s warm, slightly gritty guitar tone, which shifts seamlessly from lyrical balladry to funky edges.
The album’s tracklist is eclectic, a hallmark of Scofield’s wide-ranging tastes. Alongside his original compositions, Scofield interprets everything from jazz standards to rock and folk. His rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Uncle John’s Band” (which gives the album its name) is a highlight: he strips it down, reshaping it into something both familiar and new, a laid-back jam that reflects the Dead’s communal spirit while speaking in his own jazz vocabulary. He also includes inventive versions of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, Neil Young’s “Old Man”, and Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from West Side Story, each transformed through his improvisational lens.
Scofield’s originals—like “Mo Green,” “Nothing Is Forever,” and “TV Band”—carry his signature mix of groove, wit, and melodic invention. They sit comfortably next to the covers, blurring the line between standards, pop tunes, and his own writing. This eclecticism reflects his belief that jazz can embrace any material, as long as it’s played with sincerity and creativity. The trio’s interplay is conversational throughout—no one is simply accompanying; instead, all three musicians push and pull the music in fresh directions.
In terms of sound, ECM’s trademark clarity serves the trio well. The production highlights the natural resonance of Scofield’s guitar and the subtlety of the rhythm section, creating a recording that feels both immediate and spacious. It’s a listening experience that draws you into the room with the players, capturing not just the notes but the shared energy and spontaneity of the session.
Uncle John’s Band is more than just another entry in Scofield’s vast discography—it’s a summation of his musical philosophy. At nearly 90 minutes long, it feels expansive without being indulgent, a snapshot of an artist still curious, still inventive, and still joyfully blurring boundaries between jazz, rock, folk, and soul. For fans of Scofield, it’s a reminder of his versatility and his gift for storytelling through improvisation. For newcomers, it’s an accessible and inviting entry point that demonstrates how jazz can reimagine the familiar while opening doors to new musical landscapes.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Mr. Tambourine Man
How Deep
TV Band
Back In Time
Budo
Nothing Is Forever
Old Man
The Girlfriend Chord
Stairway To The Stars
Mo Green
Mask
Somewhere
Ray’s Idea
Uncle John’s Band
