I have been a fan of John Schofield ever since Uberjam – that album was some major funk train. He had such a party playing that album – so bent and high energy I can understand why he felt compelled to declare that he had been drug free for a few years to date in the liner notes. Many of his albums have not clicked with me much bar this one due to the straightness of them. I don’t like his clean sound much, I can respect it, like I respect Jim Hall, but I like my music fluid and dynamic and filled with life.

With this in mind, you might appreciate that I am hesitant about trying a modern big band album out. Big bands are usually quite straight – they kind of have to be so that coherence can be maintained. Its hard to imagine a big band both maintaining coherence and being dynamic with individuality coming through. Previously, I have only trusted Dave Holland in putting together a modern Jazz big band ensemble. Now, Vince Mendoza and John Schofield have created something very special. This album is modern big band at its best. Coherent, strong, filled with life and dynamic – this music carries so many emotions straight through me, its fantastic musical sustenance for this year and more to come I’m sure.

54, as its called, is exactly what I’m looking for in John, the energy of Uberjam with a more diverse palette to work with, some of the music almost borders on too much syrup, but no, the credibility given to this work through worthy intricate rhythms, natural emotional playing, shining mutual respect in passing solos, great arrangements and wonderful sound have made the syrup sweet but delicate and subtle rather than corn.

I’m very impressed, John now has my respect alongside Pat Metheny and John McLaughlin as men that created and never stopped creating new ways to weave their increasingly complex lives into their expression.

Listen to Uberjam and 54, it will surely grow on you.

Tags: Music by Corley
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