OH!

Scolohofo, John Scofield | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 3, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00007KMNN
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,109 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Oh!

2. Right About Now

3. The Winding Way

4. Bittersweet

5. Shorter Form

6. New Amsterdam

7. In Your Arms

8. The Dawn Of Time

9. Brandyn

10. Faces

11. Oh I See

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Scolohofo. Behind this saw-toothed creation of a word are four exemplary players: John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Dave Holland, and Al Foster. They've worked together over the decades in various combinations, but never together as a quartet. And, of course, they all have the letter o in the first syllable of their last names. After two tours (in 1999 and 2002), the four convened in New York City to record this, their debut. They are all well-developed composers, nicely causing this album to tip the scales at nearly 77 minutes. That’s the length of a double album, but the playing never bogs down, due to the richness of the writing and endless surprises in the performances. Holland's more elliptical melodic sensibilities are a fine counterpoint to Scofield's postbop, with Foster's "Bittersweet," and Lovano's "New Amsterdam" bringing in elements from blues to '60s avant garde. Remarkably, with writing as broad as that, this set holds together with the cohesive identity of a seasoned, unified combo. That’s a testament to their strength as players, each with a strong individual voice, but with the understanding of what's possible with sympathetic interplay. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scolohofo, April 12, 2003

By 

[e-mail] (Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: OH! (Audio CD)

I personally have hoped and prayed for the day that Sco would record another quartet record like the ones he released in the early 90's. What amazes me is that "Oh!" has become my favorite record of them all. It kills! Sco's tone is somewhat darker and much more blunt than in previous outings but it fits perfectly with the big, woody tone of Lovano's tenor. The grooves are tight, the compositions are stunning, and the improvisation is at a level only attainable with four so thoroughly seasoned masters.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A review by a not-so-jazzy-person, October 29, 2003

By 

"starguitar" (Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: OH! (Audio CD)

I am only a young raging teen at the feeble age of 13, and my style of music is usually melodic metal and reggae, and i have only just begun to explore the world of jazz, so don't expect the best review in the world.
In my point of view i think this is great stuff to chill by, it ranges from the bluesy "Oh I see" to the 12 minute epic "New Amsterdam". Lovano and Schofield both interlap each others solos and are both great performers and love the spolight. Holland and Foster are very solid players, and back up the guitars and sax very well.
All in all, four very experienced pioneers of jazz put together make a very soulful CD.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scolohofo's "Oh!" Is a MoFo!, February 3, 2003

By 

Donnie (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: OH! (Audio CD)

These four veteran superstars have put together some of the most interesting music I've heard in quite some time. Muscular grooves and air-tight rhythyms presented in a fresh way define the music on this cd. They've all been busy working on multiple projects and/or leading their own bands and as a result sound inspired. Leading off with the title track, each player gets a chance to strut his stuff in a way that ephasizes the music as opposed to just showing off.

Of the four musicians, I'm least familiar with Al Foster. That will change after hearing him on "Oh!". He never sounds starved for ideas and knows how & when to settle into a nice, understated groove. Coupling that with Dave Holland's masterful bass gives you an unbeatable rythym section.

I know it's early, but when year end lists start popping up for 2003, this cd should be high up on many of them.