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

John Scofield - That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays Ray Charles

That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays Ray Charles
List Price: $18.98
Our Price: $9.61
You Save: $9.37 (49%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $1.80 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Listen soundtracks from this album



(Click here)
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store

CD Details

Artist: John Scofield
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
CD Release Date: 2005-06-07
Music Label: Verve
Soundtracks:
  1. Busted
  2. What'd I Say
  3. Sticks And Stones
  4. I Don't Need No Doctor
  5. Cryin' Time
  6. I Can't Stop Loving You
  7. Hit The Road Jack
  8. Talkin' 'Bout You/I Got A Woman
  9. Unchain My Heart (Part 1)
  10. Let's Go Get Stoned
  11. Night Time Is The Right Time
  12. You Don't Know Me
  13. Georgia On My Mind

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

Music Review: If "That's What I Say", perhaps you should say less --
Rating: 3 Stars

At the outset, it strains credulity to assert any artistic connection at all between Ray Charles and John Scofield. That's why this set really doesn't work all that well. Scofield and company use these Charles classics as blowing vehicles, whereas Ray used them as opportunities to make music.

There IS some good stuff here: "Busted" probably comes closest to nicking Ray in the soul department. "You Don't Know Me" is beautiful and compelling, although Aaron Neville's vibrato and superfluous melismas get a little tiresome. Scofield's solo rendition of "Georgia On My Mind" is very pretty and honest, but doesn't touch the solo bravura of, say, Tommy Emmanuel. Scofield's horn arrangements are solid and interesting. Larry Goldings NEVER missteps and proves, once again, that he is a consumate soloist and sideman. Steve Jordan and Willie Weeks lay down absoutely textbook grooves. And John Mayer weighs in proudly on "I Don't Need No Doctor", proving himself to be a versatile and durable young talent.

There is a pervasive weakness that mars the whole works, however, and that weakness is basically Scofield. His meandering "fishing expedition" solos often make one wonder whether he knows where he wants to go. The most egregious and obvious example of this is on the brief "Crying Time." Larry Goldings lays down a wonderful bed of nearly legit organ, and Scofield noodles over the top as though he's looking for something but having a hard time finding it. Scofield rarely 'speaks' in discernable phrases -- I know, that's his style. But it's not my cup of tea, and it doesn't make for a good 'fit' on Ray's stuff.

There are other low points -- Aaron Neville's first chorus on "What'd I Say" has all the fire-power of a cap gun. Laughable. And while Dr. John's singing is tolerable (an acquired taste at best), the PTB must not have had enough scratch to pay him for a piano solo. I dare say that Dr. John could do Ray justice. Finally, the treatment of "Night Time is the Right Time" (the very talented Warren Haynes singing) is downright bland. John Fogerty and CCR absolutely SLAMMED that tune in '69, for crying out loud.

I bought this CD on the basis of "Busted", which IS a 5 star tune. That which follows is a very mixed bag, often having little to do with Ray.

More That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays Ray Charles free music reviews:
1 2 3 4

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

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.
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

Jazz CDs

Music Genres
Bestsellers in Jazz CDs
Blood, Spirit, Land, Water, Freedom ImageCurtis Brothers Quartet - Blood, Spirit, Land, Water, Freedom
Release date: 2009-10-01; Music CD
Jazz Casual - 3-Pack Vol. 1 (Count Basie, Carmen McRae, John Coltrane) [VHS] ImageJazz Casuals: Coltrane Basie & Mcrae - Jazz Casual - 3-Pack Vol. 1 (Count Basie, Carmen McRae, John Coltrane) [VHS]
Rhino / Wea; Release date: 1999-05-04; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $43.28
Jazz Legend: Part 2 1970-1987 [VHS] ImageBuddy Rich - Jazz Legend: Part 2 1970-1987 [VHS]
Warner Brothers Pub.; Release date: 2000-10-20; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $10.75
Price in other shops: $39.95
Living Legend of the Electric Guitar [VHS] ImageLes Paul - Living Legend of the Electric Guitar [VHS]
Bmg Video Label; Release date: 1993-02-09; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $19.95
Price in other shops: $19.98
Hurricane [VHS] ImageHerbie Hancock - Hurricane [VHS]
View Video; Release date: 1992-04-07; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $2.50
Cocktails for Two ImageCocktails for Two
by band leader Spike Jones
Music CD
Best price: $19.95
Dave Grusin and the NY/LA Dream Band [VHS] ImageDave Grusin - Dave Grusin and the NY/ LA Dream Band [VHS]
Umgd; Release date: 1990-06-26; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $6.93
Price in other shops: $19.99
Diane Schuur & Count Basie Orchestra [VHS] ImageCount Basie, Diane Schuur - Diane Schuur & Count Basie Orchestra [VHS]
Grp Records; Release date: 1996-01-30; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $1.99
Price in other shops: $19.98
Damals in Hamburg ImageDamals in Hamburg
Release date: 1999-08-11; Music CD
Best price: $23.54
Ben Webster ImageBen Webster - Ben Webster
Release date: 2006-12-20; Music CD
Price in other shops: $50.98
Similar CDs
John Scofield - New Morning: The Paris Concert ImageJohn Scofield - New Morning: The Paris Concert
MUSIC VIDEO DISTRIBUTORS; Release date: 2010-11-23; DVD
Best price: $11.74
Price in other shops: $19.95
Backatown ImageTrombone Shorty - Backatown
Release date: 2010-04-20; Music CD
Best price: $6.95
Price in other shops: $10.99
Up All Night ImageThe John Scofield Band - Up All Night
Release date: 2003-05-20; Music CD
Best price: $8.86
Price in other shops: $18.98
This Meets That ImageJohn Scofield - This Meets That
Release date: 2008-05-01; Music CD
Best price: $9.88
Price in other shops: $32.98
Bump ImageJohn Scofield - Bump
Release date: 2000-03-14; Music CD
Best price: $4.24
Price in other shops: $14.98
Live At The Moody Theater [2CD + 1DVD] ImageWarren Haynes Band - Live At The Moody Theater [2CD + 1DVD]
Release date: 2012-04-24; Music CD
Best price: $17.52
Price in other shops: $24.98
A Go Go ImageJohn Scofield - A Go Go
Release date: 1998-04-07; Music CD
Best price: $10.24
Price in other shops: $18.98
A Moment's Peace ImageJohn Scofield - A Moment's Peace
Release date: 2011-09-27; Music CD
Best price: $8.55
Price in other shops: $28.49
Handjive ImageJohn Scofield - Handjive
Release date: 1994-08-09; Music CD
Best price: $5.38
Price in other shops: $11.98
Piety Street ImageJohn Scofield - Piety Street
Release date: 2009-03-31; Music CD
Best price: $2.86
Price in other shops: $16.98
Compare prices and find music notes for more than one million Music CD titles