SCOLOHOFO
Oh! (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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I usually avoid the word "supergroup," because it's usually more a marketing tool than a meaningful musical description, but it's pretty hard to avoid it when talking about the partnership between guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Al Foster. After all, they're all stars, each an accomplished leader, improvisor and composer in his own right. And in combination, they are, in fact, super, as you'll soon discover if you explore this album.

Songwriting credits are spread among the players; the quartet takes those personal contributions and melds them into an organic whole, maintaining a straight ahead focus while making space amongst themselves for some individual exploration. Lovano, in particular, takes some interesting turns that keep the generally low key feeling of the music from falling into complacency. Perhaps it's not fair to single him out, though, because each contributor plays an important role in the sound. What's most significant, and to an extent surprising, is exactly how much a group they are. Putting together four artists of this caliber could easily produce a cutting session, because any of them are capable of dominating any setting they find themselves in. Sometimes, though, restraint is the most creative choice, and these guys seem to know exactly when that's true, and exactly when to shine, and how to shine without blinding their partners or their audience.

They've been playing dates, but there's really no telling how long this will last, or if there will be another Scolohofo album. I certainly hope so, but don't wait to find out. Add this one to your "must have" list.

Track List:

Oh! * Right About Now * The Winding Way * Bittersweet * Shorter Form * New Amsterdam * In Your Arms * The Dawn Of Time * Brandyn * Faces * Oh I See

© 2003 - Shaun Dale