Hanging with John Scofield

Every feel like you know a a hero or celebrity? I often think I know what they’d be like in person from hearing their music and witnessing their stage persona. 

For years I’ve listened to the music of John Scofield. I’ve seen him concert as well as enjoying albums that he has done. He has an instantly recognizable tone but is also a chameleon that can seemingly fit into any musical context. He has played with everyone from Miles Davis, Dave Liebman, Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Joey DeFrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Billy Cobham, Medeski Martin & Wood, George Duke, Jaco Pastorius, to John Mayer. That's not even including everybody, what a resume!

Recently I had the opportunity and honor to meet, hang and talk with a hero, John Scofield. I picked him and Joe Lovano up from the airport and he jumped into the passenger seat and John immediately introduced himself. I let him know that I knew who he was. I dropped them off at their hotel. I was amazed at how much he was like what I thought he’d be like.

Later in the day I picked them up to take them to the venue where they were performing. We made a quick stop to pick up coffee at a place that was recommended to them. 

At the venue they got to work sound checking. It was interesting to me that they hardly talked about what they were going to do. They mostly just played, playing a combination of standard and original compositions. 

Their concert that evening was sold out. I heard many rave revues of the show. What a pleasure meeting this musical giant!