QUOTE:

John Scofield That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles | Verve    With John Scofield, a big part of the fun is never knowing what the guitarist will do from one album to the next. He might provide an album that is abstract and cerebral, or he might come up with something funky and groove-oriented; That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles is a perfect example of the latter. Featuring well-known guest vocalists who include Dr. John, Mavis Staples (as in the Staple Sisters), Aaron Neville and John Mayer, this tribute to the late Ray Charles is definitely one of Scofield's more commercial projects -- which isn't to say that he shouldn't be proud of the album. Commercialism isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as it is tastefully done, and That's What I Say is a tasteful effort that finds Scofield fluctuating between instrumental soul-jazz and vocal-oriented soul. Produced by drummer Steve Jordan, this 65-minute CD isn't for jazz snobs, but rather, those who hold jazz and R&B in equally high regard -- and people who fit that description will appreciate Scofield's instrumental soul-jazz workouts on "Hit the Road, Jack," "Busted" and "Unchain My Heart," but will be equally receptive to the straight-up R&B singing of Neville on "You Don't Know Me" and Staples on Don Gibson's "I Can't Stop Loving You" (one of the many country songs that received an R&B makeover from Charles). The disc's only disappointing track is an instrumental version of Buck Owens' "Cryin' Time." Scofield uses the Bakersfield sound honky tonk classic as a brief interlude to "I Can't Stop Loving You," but "Cryin' Time" deserved more of his time than a minute and a half -- and it's regrettable that Scofield doesn't stretch out on the Owens gem. But overall, That's What I Say is a creative success for Scofield and the R&B and jazz artists who join him. - Alex Henderson

John Scofield Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Larry Goldings Piano, Vibes, Hammond, Wurlitzer organ
Willie Weeks Bass
Steve Jordan Drums, Tambourine, Background Vocals, Producer
Warren Haynes (2, 11) Guitar, Vocal
John Mayer (2, 4) Guitar, Vocal
Aaron Neville (2, 12) Vocal
David "Fathead" Newman (2, 7) Tenor Saxophone
Dr. John (2, 8) Piano, Vocal
Mavis Staples (2, 6) Vocal
Manolo Badrena Percussion
Lisa Fischer Background Vocals
Vaneese Thomas Background Vocals
Meegan Voss Background Vocals
Alex Foster Tenor Saxophone
Earl Gardner Trumpet
Howard Johnson Baritone Saxophone
Keith O’Quinn Trombone


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


Verve 2005



*EAC (secure mode / offset correction)
*Monkey's Audio 3.99 / extra high compression
*401 MB
*covers