CD Review: John Scofield – “Piety Street”

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CD Review

This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.

These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.

Artist: John Scofield
Album: Piety Street (2009 Emarcy Records)
Tracks: 13

Artist website: http://www.johnscofield.com

REVIEW OVERVIEW:

Mr. Scofield is possibly one of the most respected guitar players in the world. I can’t decide if this is a blues or a gospel album. Either way offers up both of them and they’re all really well done. The musicianship is, as one can expect, on a very high level on this album.

Here’s who played on the album:

John Scofield-guitar; Jon Cleary-piano, keyboards and vocals; George Porter Jr.-bass; Ricky Fataar-drums; John Boutt-vocals; Shannon Powell-percussion

This was a joy to review not just because the vocal performances on this album are soulful as are all the solos, but because of the good musicianship.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Angel Of Death and Ninety Nine And A Half

PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW

Track 1 – That’s Enough
The song starts with a guitar solo and evolves in to a showcase of blues mastery. 

Track 2 – Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
The blues can be played many ways. This is a good example of being creative with the genre. I especially took note of the reggae feel at the end. 

Track 3 – It’s A Big Army
A gospel song with cool solos.  

Track 4 – His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Slow gospel song with a great groove.

Track 5 – Something’s Got A Hold On Me
Very nice minimalistic gospel tune. Interesting guitar tone.

Track 6 – The Old Ship Of Zion
This is a blues. It’s a good one. It’s an interesting choice to put the guitar solo in the beginning before the vocals and the end. 

Track 7 – Ninety Nine And A Half
I loved the groove from the onset of this tune. Awesome. 

Track 8 – Just A Little While To Stay Here
A lovely two feel. That just builds up and blossoms wonderfully in the solos. 

Track 9 – Never Turn Back
A nice change of pace with a funky feel. 

Track 10 – Walk With Me
Blues/Gospel track. I just can’t get over how much soul there is in every track, and this one is no exception. 

Track 11 – But I Like The Message
Uptempo instrumental blues. This is what I was expecting when I first got this CD and before I read the liner notes. I’m glad there was at least one instrumental track.  

Track 12 – The Angel Of Death
Soulful and beautiful. Again, done with the less is more approach. Absolutely delightful.

Track 13 – I’ll Fly Away
This is a cute song that almost makes you think it is an instrumental track. It could be considered a country tune until the vocals come in and the content of the lyrics are clear, ’tis a gospel song. Nice way to end the album. 

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Posted in CD Reviews, The Weekly Riff (2008-2010) Reprinted.