That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles

John Scofield

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 7, 2005)
• Original Release Date: June 7, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B0009299KQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,157 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #25 in

  Music > Jazz > Jazz Jam Bands

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although sure to be criticized for cashing in on the Ray Charles bandwagon, jazzman John Scofield’s 2005 tribute release is also one of the most varied yet successful albums in the guitarist’s extensive catalog. Shifting from a big band/multi-vocalist approach for the classic "What’d I Say" featuring an all-star lineup of Dr. John, Warren Haynes, Aaron Neville, John Mayer and Mavis Staples trading verses (they all also take solo vocals on other tracks), along with longtime Charles saxist David "Fathead" Newman, to the lone guitar rendition of "Georgia on my Mind" that closes the disc, Scofield celebrates both Charles’ music and his eclectic approach to it. The stripped down instrumental version of "Crying Time" with only funereal organ accompaniment is perfectly offset by the following gospelized reading of "I Can’t Stop Loving You," brought home by Mavis Staples’ explosive vocal. Teen throb John Mayer acquits himself admirably on vocals and guitar, singing and trading licks with Scofield on a rugged "I Don’t Need No Doctor," and Dr. John brings New Orleans soul on a greasy "Talkin’ Bout You"/"I Got a Woman" medley. The horn section gets a workout on powerfully swinging instrumental takes of "Hit the Road Jack" and "Let’s Go Get Stoned." Scofield’s quivering solos show moderation yet convey the music’s R&B roots, even when he’s turning up the heat on a rousing Medeski, Martin and Wood -styled, acid laced "Sticks and Stones." Producer/drummer Steve Jordan finds the perfect vibe between jazz and R&B, and keeps the guest vocalists from stealing the spotlight. He provides the ideal framework for John Scofield’s fiery yet restrained playing and a fitting tribute to a jazz/R&B icon. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description
That's What I Say, pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles. It ranges from lesser-known Charles gems to some of his most signature tunes. Scofield crafts each tune in his own distinctive style, putting his indelible stamp on every performance.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is cool..., June 22, 2005

By	John Terry "The Worrier King" (Kansas City, Mo) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If it says John Scofield on it, I'll buy it. I have to admit to being skeptical though when I saw that this was a Ray Charles tribute record. First off, I was never much of a Ray Charles follower. I'm aware of his accomplishments and his talent as a performer, I simply never tried to get "into" him. Secondly, I wondered if a tribute album and a large supporting cast would get in the way of Sco's playing. Happily, this album is well worth your time and Sco sounds as good as ever. Also, any album that includes Dr. John, Warren Haynes and Mavis Staples is a guaranteed treat. Heck, John Mayer's making me wonder if he might be some kind of closet blues talent. If you're a fan of Mr. Scofield, you need this album. If you're a fan of of good soul, blues and rock and roll, you need this album. You may even need this album if you're a Ray Charles fan because this album is one classy tribute. Maybe I need to buy a Ray Charles album?

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Tribute Album, June 26, 2005

By	[e-mail] "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

John Scofield keeps the Spirit of Ray Charles alive&Well on this Disc. Heck this Album is way better than that Last Ray Charles to me.good Arrangements&Instrumentation.Mavis Staples&Dr John are on Point here.Brother Ray Would Be Proud of this Record.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "Good" CD. No great., September 18, 2005

By	Glen Murley (Sagamore Beach, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have always loved John's more straight-ahead jazz style and sounds. Ala EnRoute, Quiet, Pick Hits Live, ScLoHoFo, etc. John has a flair for going over-the-top in some of his records. Maybe a little too much distortion on the guitar, maybe a bit too "rocky" and not enough jazz. Sometimes swaying too far into fusion for my tastes.

That being said, I find this CD to be a standard mish-mosh and commercial attempt at covering Ray's tunes. I don't think he did this for commercial reasons, obviously he doesn't need to, but rather did it because he really wanted to.

And that's fine if you like this sort of thing. This CD will probably do quite well for him as it crosses over to some Ray Charles fans. But it's not for me.

If you like the CDs I mentioned above, make sure you give the track samples of this particular CD a good listen and see if it's what you're looking for.

Lastly, I'm not saying this CD is bad. No, in fact it's really quite impressive. But, if you're like me, and just went, "Wow! A new John Scofield CD" and blindly picked it up you might be a little dissapointed. I ended up trading my copy back in to the record store.

In conclusion, a wonderfully succesful commercial attempt at paying an honest tribute to Ray through song. I suspect the CD will appeal to crossover fans and some Scofield die-hards that feel he can do no wong. But if you're a straight-ahead, old-chool jazz fan who is looking for Scofield's twis on it, avoid this CD. or listen to someone else's before you plunk down your hard earned dollars.