John Scofield Trio

There has been a John Scofield Trio at play since the late 70’s and it undisputedly remains his favorite format. The newest incarnation - Scofield on guitar, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart are having fun. They sail through tightly knit sets that typify the musical diversity that has colored Scofield’s long career: time honored jazz standards, rock and blues classics, savvy original Scofield compositions and whatever assorted off-the-cuff improvisations that turn up on a whim. More than just a collection of tunes, they play music that embodies the spirit that has kept improvisational jazz vigorous and visceral since its start. A new double CD, Uncle John’s Band, will release in September 2023 on the ECM label as they head out to tour this new music. Scofield says, “All in all it’s a mixed bag of tunes but we treat them equally as vehicles for improvisation - not just covering the songs. It’s challenging. You don’t rely on arrangements as much as the intuitive way we play together. You rely on good playing knowing that there’s no safety net involved. We're three musicians with a special synergy that unfolds between us. I think Trio is always some of my best playing. We hook up as a group and it brings us to satisfying places."

JOHN SCOFIELD He began his international career as a bandleader and recording artist in 1975. A three-time Grammy winner, he has recorded nearly 50 albums as a leader in the company of such major players as Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau and Eddie Harris. He's also played and recorded with Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, MMW, Govt Mule. Lettuce and Phil Lesh to mention only a few of his favorites.

Bassist VICENTE ARCHER has emerged as one of today's profound new voices on the bass. He has been playing in a variety of Scofield led bands since 2017 as well as Kenny Garrett, Terence Blanchard, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Louis Hayes, Curtis Fuller, Mark Whitfield, Roy Haynes, Geri Allen, Stanley Jordan, Wycliffe Gordon, Stefon Harris, Janis Siegel, Robert Glasper, Nicholas Payton and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis.

Drummer and composer BILL STEWART has performed and recorded with many well-known musicians, including Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Larry Goldings, Joe Lovano, Charlie Haden, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Lee Konitz Nicholas Payton and others. Stewart co-leads the popular trio - Goldings Stewart Bernstein.

Program and cast

John Scofield: guitar
Vicente Archer: bass
Bill Stewart: drums