Customer Reviews

Pick Hits Live

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This cd is absolutely a milestone in jazz music. As much so as Miles Davis'or John Coletrane's contributions to the change in the landscape and direction of jazz, John Scofields genious on this recording shines. Also the stellar, and at times unbeleiveaable performances of the finest rhythm section to walk the earth: Jim Beard on keys, Gary (not Tim) Grainger on Bass and Dennis Chambers on drums. It just doesn' get any better than this! This recording is a 'must-have' for any serious jazz musician.....period!

First I have to tell you that I'm a "big fan" of Mr. Scofield. This album is certainly one of his best in his jazz-rock work. It is funky, it is groovy and the compositions are as usually some of the best in this kind of music. The tunes are improved live versions of tracks from "Still Warm" and "Blue Matter". You will also be blown by the bass-drums parts. Gary Grainger and Dennis Chambers are playing here as one musician. It's pure groove. The highlights are: "Picks and Pans", "Pick Hits" and "Trim" of course.

The cd, recorded live in Japan, features John Scofield's hottest band, with the amazing Dennis Chambers on drums, and Tim Granger on Bass. The songs come mainly from Blue Matter and Still Warm, both seminal Scofield. Scofield himself tears up the fretboard. But don't expect mindless pyrotechnics. His phrasing is pure jazz, more idiomatic to the sax than the guitar at times. To see Dennis Chambers live is a rare treat. Hearing him drum here is a humbling experience. The double bass work alone is a clinic for aspiring drummers. The band is amazingly tight, navigating time signatures and breaks adroitly. The dynamic range of the band makes each song a much more visceral experience than the studio versions.

Buy this cd.

I beg to differ with the prevous reviewer :-)

Jim did one tour with this band after me and is also on a Dennis Chambers video with the same personnel.

The last review was pretty darn astute - this is jazz/funk showmanship of the very highest degree. The live versions of "Blue Matter," "Pick Hits," and especially "Trim," utterly kill the studio versions. If you are a fan of Dennis Chambers (and shouldn't everybody be?), this album is a must own. A true highlight in the Scofield discography.

Nine tracks feature Scofield with Dennis Chambers, Gary Grainger & Robert Aries.

1. Picks and Pans
2. Pick Hits
3. Heaven Hill
4. Protocol
5. Blue Matter
6. Thanks Again
7. Trim
8. Georgia on My Mind
9. Make Me

Sco and band tear it up as only they can; every track is a gem. Unfortunately the sound is thin; I can't imagine this band played so quietly! Gramavision needs to get it together and remaster this puppy.

I just saw John Scofield in Colorado a week ago and that brought me back to some earlier recordings. This one is a great document of a fantastic concert. If you like Scofield's Blue Matter or Loud Jazz, you'll love this one.

I was at this concert and agree with the liner notes that the band was in top form and the crowd was very supportive. You also get some tasty playing from the whole band. My only regret is that he omitted an extended version of "The Nag" from Blue Matter, which had some serious soloing from Gary Grainger and Dennis Chambers.

This was a used CD and I'm very happy with it.
Fast delivery too.
Thumbs up from me :)