John Scofield

Guitarist John Scofield has been known to play in a variety of jazz styles over the years. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on Dec. 26, 1951, his early influences on guitar included Chuck Berry, Albert King and B.B. King. As a youth, Scofield first played rock & roll, urban blues and r&b music. While at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, from 1970-'73, he studied with Gary Burton and Mick Goodrick. A key event in Scofield's musical life occurred in 1974, when, at the recommendation of Goodrick, Scofield was included in a Carnegie Hall reunion concert, playing in a band led by Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker. This led to gigs and recordings closer to home, stylistically, when Scofield joined the jazz-rock band of George Duke and Billy Cobham. After two years, he played a year with Burton, eventually playing and recording with, among others, Charlie Mingus (1977), Jay McShann (1977-'78), Ron Carter and Lee Konitz.

Scofield formed his own band in 1977, which included Richie Beirach, George Mraz and Joe LaBarbera. This band toured Europe and recorded Scofield's first leader album, John Scofield Live. After another recording in 1978, Scofield formed another significant band in 1980, with Steve Swallow and Adam Nussbaum. This band recorded three important and successful albums. Scofield's career trajectory changed dramatically when he joined Miles Davis in 1982. Until Mike Stern left the following year, this band had two guitarists. He was to record with Davis as well as tour internationally.

Scofield's work since his association with Davis includes leader and sideman dates, showcasing many styles, including a distinctive blend of bop with funk, blues and country on both electric (his main instrument) and acoustic guitar, with, among others, Eddie Harris, Pat Metheny, Joe Lovano, Idris Muhammad, Bill Frisell and Peter Erskine. Recordings include: A Go Go (with Medeski Martin & Wood, Verve, 1997), Quiet (an orchestral album with Scofield playing acoustic guitar, Verve, 1996), Groove Elation (Blue Note, 1994), Hand Jive (with Eddie Harris, Blue Note, 1993), Grace Under Pressure (Blue Note, 1991), Time On My Hands (Blue Note, 1990), Still Warm (Gramavision, 1985), Shinola (enja, 1981), Rough House (enja, 1978), John Scofield Live (enja, 1977). As a sideman he's played on: You're Under Arrest (with Miles Davis, Columbia, 1984), Decoy (with Miles Davis, Columbia, 1983-'84), Star People (with Miles Davis, Columbia, 1982).