That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles
Although sure to be criticized for cashing in on the Ray Charles bandwagon, jazzman John Scofield's 2005 tribute release is also one of the most varied yet successful albums in the guitarist's extensive catalog. Shifting from a big band/multi-vocalist approach for the classic "What'd I Say" featuring an all-star lineup of Dr. John, Warren Haynes, Aaron Neville, John Mayer and Mavis Staples trading verses (they all also take solo vocals on other tracks), along with longtime Charles saxist David "Fathead" Newman, to the lone guitar rendition of "Georgia on my Mind" that closes the disc, Scofield celebrates both Charles' music and his eclectic approach to it. The stripped down instrumental version of "Crying Time" with only funereal organ accompaniment is perfectly offset by the following gospelized reading of "I Can't Stop Loving You," brought home by Mavis Staples' explosive vocal. Teen throb John Mayer acquits himself admirably on vocals and guitar, singing and trading licks with Scofield on a rugged "I Don't Need No Doctor," and Dr. John brings New Orleans soul on a greasy "Talkin' Bout You"/"I Got a Woman" medley. The horn section gets a workout on powerfully swinging instrumental takes of "Hit the Road Jack" and "Let's Go Get Stoned." Scofield's quivering solos show moderation yet convey the music's R&B roots, even when he's turning up the heat on a rousing Medeski, Martin and Wood -styled, acid laced "Sticks and Stones." Producer/drummer Steve Jordan finds the perfect vibe between jazz and R&B, and keeps the guest vocalists from stealing the spotlight. He provides the ideal framework for John Scofield's fiery yet restrained playing and a fitting tribute to a jazz/R&B icon. --Hal Horowitz
That's What I Say, pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles. It ranges from lesser-known Charles gems to some of his most signature tunes. Scofield crafts each tune in his own distinctive style, putting his indelible stamp on every performance.
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- UPC: 602498805343
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| From: Amazon Posted: Jul 18, 2006 Type: User Review |
Incredible tribute
I am a big JS fan, as a musician he is an incredible composer and also a great guitar player,The CD brings you an incredible horn arrangements, Larry Goldings a superb organ player and a very nice mix of artist from the pop, rhythm blues and...
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 5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 30, 2006 Type: User Review |
Not his best outing.
I'm a big JS fan. I pick up all of his albums and go to see him when I can. With the exception of a few tracks, I think that this album is disappointing. The problem is that the band really is playing the music of Ray Charles, but Scofield is...
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 4.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Dec 01, 2005 Type: User Review |
The Genius of Ray Charles continues
I heard the beginning of "What I say" in my car on the way to work. I thought, "Hey Hey! How cool the Neville Brothers and Dr. John are doing some Ray Charles." Then I heard the guitar solo at the end and I luckily pulled into the office lot...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Oct 19, 2005 Type: User Review |
If "That's What I Say", perhaps you should say less --
At the outset, it strains credulity to assert any artistic connection at all between Ray Charles and John Scofield. That's why this set really doesn't work all that well. Scofield and company use these Charles classics as blowing vehicles,...
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 3.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Sep 30, 2005 Type: User Review |
Bella la musica de Ray Charles
Muy agradables los arreglos de John Scofield para la musica del Maestro Ray Charles. Impresionante la pelicula sobre el. Agrego esos discos a mi coleccion con excelencia.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Sep 27, 2005 Type: User Review |
Ray would be pleased.
Ray would be pleased by this collection of his works, rendered by this group of fine musicians. Everytime I listen I find a new favorite.
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4.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Sep 19, 2005 Type: User Review |
"Good" CD. No great.
I have always loved John's more straight-ahead jazz style and sounds. Ala EnRoute, Quiet, Pick Hits Live, ScLoHoFo, etc. John has a flair for going over-the-top in some of his records. Maybe a little too much distortion on the guitar, maybe a...
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3.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Sep 11, 2005 Type: User Review |
Fantastic treatment by a guitar legend
Well done. With the inclusion of musicians/singers of high caliber, namely Steve Jordan on drums and other greats, Scofield does justice to the music of Mr. Charles and does so in his own unique style. Bravo!
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Aug 12, 2005 Type: User Review |
Jazz Album of the Year
I usually hate tribute albums, but this one blew me away. Let's see; on this album you have John Scofield who played with Miles Davis leading a group of artists such as Dr. John, Aaron Neville, John Mayer,Mavis Staples, Warren Hayes and David...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Aug 02, 2005 Type: User Review |
thank you Mr. Scofield
When I heard this reviewed on NPR one Saturday morning recently I was absolutely mesmerized by Scofield and the arrangements of Ray Charles music. I was on my way to a meeting and not happy about that on a Saturday, BUT, by the time I got there I...
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5.00/5 |
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