John Scofield: Biography

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• Kevin Eubanks
• Mike Stern
• Steve Khan
• John McLaughlin
• Leni Stern
• Ted Dunbar
• John Abercrombie

• Otis Rush
• George Benson
• The George Benson Quartet
• Jim Hall
• B.B. King
• Pat Martino
• The Beatles

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• Kimberly Allison
• Jacob Young
• Paul Bollenback
• Jason Truby
• Dirk Balthaus

• Bill Stewart
• Mark-Anthony Turnage
• Adam Deitch

Born:

Dec 26, 1951 in Dayton, OH

Genres:

Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music, Fusion Jazz Music, Contemporary Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

High

Cultural Impact

High

Popularity

High

Ratings Guide

One of the "big three" of current jazz guitarists (along with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell), Scofield's influence grew in the '90s. Possessor of a very distinctive rockoriented sound that is often a bit distorted, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between postbop, fusion, and soul jazz. He started on guitar while at high school in Connecticut, and from 19701973 Scofield studied at Berklee and played in the Boston area. After recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker at Carnegie Hall, Scofield was a member of the Billy CobhamGeorge Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and later joined the Gary Burton quartet and Dave Liebman's quintet. His own early sessions as a leader were funkoriented. During 19821985 Scofield toured the world and recorded with Miles Davis. Since that time he has led his own groups, played with Bass Desires, and recorded frequently as a leader for Gramavision and Blue Note, using such major players as Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, and Eddie Harris.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide