The John Scofield Interview

I have been wanting to interview John Scofield since the beginning of my channel. He has been one of my favorite guitarists and biggest influences. The interview is nearly one hour long and packed full of incredible stories and insights I never knew about John. If you want to see more content like this or support my channel you can donate through this link on my website: rickbeato.com/pages/donate
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John Scofield’s guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70’s and is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B.
Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, Scofield took up the guitar at age 11, inspired by both rock and blues players. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. After a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary Burton quartet. He began his international career as a bandleader and recording artist in 1978. From 1982-1985, Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis. His Davis stint placed him firmly in the foreground of jazz consciousness as a player and composer.
Since that time he has prominently led his own groups in the international Jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics) including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He’s played and recorded with Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Terumasa Hino among many jazz legends. Throughout his career Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music. All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind.
Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband, and father of two.
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[@RickBeato]

This interview like my entire channel is self funded. If you would like to see more content like this you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate For ongoing support consider becoming a member of the Beato Club. The Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Thanx for the interview. That was great. When John spoke about his Blues roots and approach I had to think about your argument that Rock had lost its importance due to the disintegration of the Blues. I think that is true. I love Jazz, Blues and 60s Rock. I can enjoy jazz intellectually and aesthetically, I love 60s rock for its energy but the blues is the most important and fundamental thing. Didn t B.B.King play 9th and Wes 13th? Man 15th is insane. Did Martino tune his guitar down like SRV? Some recommendations: R.L.Burnside "Come on in" from 1995. A blend of Blues end electric music but hard riffs like Sabbath. Top 5 record of the 90s. Harvey Mendel "Shangranade or Christo Redontor." Dave Brubeck "Two Generations of Brubeck". Muddy Waters "Electric Mud" and "After the rain". Miles Davis live recordings "Agharta" and "Pangaea".

[@cooldebt]

Love your interviews but notice that there aren't many women. Perhaps Tal Wilkenfeld might have some interesting perspectives and history. She's young but started very young and has played with rock and jazz greats. And she's an Aussie! 🙃

[@jimdixon3470]

You got more concrete details out of John than most interviewers I've heard. John, while being super smart, and big-hearted and open, sometimes seems to not want to bother or bore interviewers or readers/listeners with a lot of detail. He's got sort of an "aw shucks" personality, which is refreshing for someone of his level of fame and accomplishment, and sometimes interviewers aren't willing to dig a little with him and get him off his normal talking points. I'm sure he's done a zillion interviews with newspaper reporters who all ask the exact same shallow questions, and that must get tedious. Good job with your questions and follow-ups!

[@ronandunne6501]

I love your videos Rick, you remind me of a musical Anthony Bourdain 🎸🎸

[@ivanlorenzo989]

@@SteveGouldinSpain library of congress....yeah, great material for younger musicians

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Think of how important Rick is. He is the ONLY person out there capturing these long-form oral history records of legendary musicians for posterity. I've been doing research for books using old deteriorating tape interviews that were, unfortunately, not preserved or transferred properly, so these kinds of historical linkages are very fragile and vulnerable. Luckily Rick is doing these in high quality digital on a large platform which helps guarantee their longevity.

[@federicorivera5093]

What about Cory Wong's podcast. He interviewed Scott field too.

[@rrwilllive5668]

No he isn’t lmao

[@timbruer7318]

There are actually some others - check out Pablo Held's "Investigates" series, and the NYU Steinhardt interview series. Scofield has done both, and there are many more with other great musicians in both series.

[@SudsRegal]

I absolutely agree! Rick is a generational bridge for music appreciation and education across multiple genres and eras of music.

[@La_sagne]

hes not the only one at all.. what about broken record or couch riffs podcast? but i agree that its absolutely wonderful and not many people are as qualified as rick to talk freely to these people without reading questions off of cards or just talking about whats written in their wikipedia article

[@spunkybrewster1972]

John Scofield is a genius....and he sounds like a Jeff Bridges' character.

[@Vivi_9]

That's just like your opinion man

[@quarantinedculinarytravelc6887]

Great analogy!

[@slashtrio]

Definitely getting Jeff bridges vibes. The guy is a snappy dresser as well.

[@r00s.]

The Dude Abides...

[@M0rket]

Jeff plays guitar as well, so if someone would conjure up a Scofield biopic script...

[@raystaar]

"If I don't practice I'm screwed." What a quote. So emblematic of John Scofield. So refreshing to hear a tall dog like him talking straight, not at all full of himself, completely grounded, humble and honest. Thank you, sir and thank you Rick for capturing this gem of an interview.

[@HiFiAwardTour]

Check out his album with Medeski Martin and Wood.

[@N0rmad]

I sympathize with that big time. Some people who are really good are not actually naturals in the sense that they can pick up a guitar their instrument after not touching it in months and play great. They need constantly be grinding to keep up their skill. I get the impression that Scofield is more along the lines of that.

[@stevenkarras3490]

Agreed

[@christophe555]

Any day not practicing is one day longer to be good Ben hogan

[@yepyep9113]

@@HiFiAwardTour Good advice! But I have to point out that it's "albums." They've done at least three together: A Go Go, Out Louder, and Juice. Plus a live album: MSMW Live: In Case the World Changes Its Mind.

[@darryljones7100]

I fuggin’ love this guy! He is one of the most unique guitarists ever. That feel, harmonic sense, choice of notes and placement, it’s the person he is. Our time with Miles showed me that John sounds so cool on guitar because he’s such a very cool fellow. I really admire him. Great interview!

[@darrylbrenzel]

True, true and true. Far and away my favorite guitarist. You hear it all in everything he plays, blues, funk, rock and roll, bebop. The hrythm, the lines, the feel, the note choices, the inflections....

[@leberdusk]

Legend!

[@leberdusk]

Both of you!

[@mc3666]

Such a great interview. I saw you guys with Miles at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver in '85. What an incredible show that was! One of the most memorable of my lifetime. Have been a huge Schofield fan ever since.

[@LeoAmuedo]

I agree!! I love John!!!!

[@michaelrogers9029]

We listen to Scofield at dinner every night. My 4 year old son insists on it. He calls it "fancy dinner music". He always knows if i try to play something else. He knows Scofield when he hears it! Great interview Rick!

[@leonardticsay8046]

Gotta start them young!

[@sjokkoladehjerte]

That's so cute!

[@billknudson7895]

That’s a wonderful thing to hear!

[@marcwhy]

@Kenny -- Dad of the Year!! :)

[@jazzfan7491]

that's quite a kid you've got

[@minecraftgaming57]

Now that we have Scofield we definitly need Frisell !

[@intuneorange]

Antoine Boyer Matteo Mancuso

[@christopherhanna5754]

@@intuneorange boyer is phenomenal classical gyspy jazz hybrid fusion..wow. superhuman .

[@intuneorange]

@christopher yes and check out his Scarlatti. ! Mancuso is very good at electric stuff also.

[@chrissterrmusic]

Yes! And if you are able to get him, please ask him about the making of “Blues Dream”. It’s what got me into him and some parts of that album still give me goosebumps.

[@Mekinhumbel]

@@chrissterrmusic Same...god, that's a great record. And kudos to Rick for these interviews--these guys are my heros, from Sting to Metheny to Scofield to Ron Carter. It would be amazing to see Frisell on here. And if Rick could get Lionel Loueke, who I don't know if a lot of people know about, but should...Karibu is such a great record. That guy is one of a kind too.

[@ShaunDoughertycomposer]

Hi Rick, my dad was John Dougherty and he was the guy that invented the Mind' pick (Stone guitar pick) and Pat Martino endorsed them. Pat and my dad were good friends. It made my day to hear someone mention the pick, many people don't remember. When he passed away, he still had the same 2 picks from 1977. My sister has one I I have the other.

[@fraidwoodcesco]

Hey, thank you for this comment. This interview is a beautiful link between life stories, people, musicians... your comment here is something precious! (I'm sorry for my poor English)

[@aliensporebomb]

I remember the Mind’ picks and the ads in Guitar Player magazine.

[@johnnywood8371]

I met John Dougherty when I had my business, Picks and Stones-gemstone guitar picks. I was doing M'ind Pick copies for several of my custom clients, one of whom knew John. He had seen my copies and gave me his blessing as he was no longer making them. I closed my business years ago but I might still have one.

[@goodtimejr.8119]

The humility of this guy is humbling.

[@jackrajinder2046]

John Scofield is a LEGEND

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

So is Rick doing all these LEGENDARY interviews!

[@rudra2308]

The best!

[@Roarksmusic]

Not only is Scofield a worldclass artist - but his self awareness and humility is what was most inspiring. The remark about not wanting to come off as falsely humble was great. Even a musical giant knows to keep a watchful eye on the ego.

[@morkus26]

When people talk about someone with an 'ego problem', they usually mean that the person is arrogant, but just as much of an ego problem is someone that can't recognise or acknowledge their own strengths. I'm sick of every comments section being about 'humility' as if the all time greats don't have the right to say "I'm very good at this, you know it, I know it, we all know it". People who excell in one area are often very weak in another, nature is balanced like that. Everyone knows equality is a lie and a pipe dream, people can't and never will be equal, and that's how it is and should be. People that show too much false modesty are worse than people who confidently assert their skills.

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

100% agree with your comment! Wonderful interview and what a great guy

[@vextract4662]

I emailed him once about some material I saw him play live that I wanted to buy but I didn't know the title,, he answered me personally, cool dude. Signed "old man Sco"

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

@@vextract4662 Thats super cool :)

[@leonardoiglesias2394]

Not EVEN a….BECAUSE he is….

[@BobMacNeal]

I thought nothing could top Rick's Peter Frampton and Pat Metheny interviews, but the Scofield interview ranks up there in the pantheon of music history gems. If Miles instructed Sco to "play with space", the key to Rick's interview chops is giving his subjects the space to tell the story. Outstanding job Rick! I tip my hat to you.

[@jeffdeponte]

Bob: exactly right! There is a interview dude on YT who constantly jumps on his subjects lines, you can see their disappointment on their faces! Space, the key is to give them SPACE! Love you, Rick!

[@brunovisona1211]

Might be a philosophic point of view, but in the end, it's the space between the notes that creates the rhythm, the groove, the feel - the music.

[@chrismccarus965]

Rick is excellent....encyclopedic.....the pat Matheny is priceless for me....priceless

[@Rob-fd6si]

I heard this compliment given to Steve Ferrone. That he left a lot of space for the musicians

[@seanjazzguitar]

Nearly 20 years ago when I was an exuberant young jazz student I saw Sco give a masterclass and asked him what he thought about when he played. He said, “where the 1 is.”

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

One of the greatest guitar players of all time and the finest interviewer on KZbin today in the same room, it doesn't get any better than these two cool cats talking all things music. I love it. Thank you Rick for these amazing interviews with these legends and thank you John for continuing to give us so much beautiful music.

[@6tabularasa9]

Couldn’t agree more, another stellar interview with another stellar guitarist/musician! Thank you Rick Beato and John. Keep up the great works. 🎶✨🎶 Stella-riffic 🎸

[@boogeen1]

"You're a pussy unless you play 14's." Man, I almost fell out of my chair laughing! This is one of the greatest musician interviews ever. Loved every minute of it.

[@boogeen1]

@@fingerstyling I'm sorry, I don't think this honest and open interview was meant for overly sensitive guys like you, Lucas. The comment I mention was made some time ago when things weren't so politically correct. I don't condone that kind of language but I still found it funny within the context of the conversation.

[@happycanayjian1582]

@@boogeen1 Don’t apologize. 🙄

[@usuallyclueless4477]

@@fingerstyling Stop being one.

[@curt6525]

@@fingerstyling "one man's belly laugh is another womans slap in the face" is that because both those things are very funny?

[@Vivi_9]

@@fingerstyling lol cringe

[@bfdman2010]

I've been listening to John play for decades and this is the first time I've heard him speak at length. He is humourous, honest and humble. His stories are fascinating. I could easily sit through 10 hours of listening to him speak. And as usual, Rick is beyond brilliant with the questions he asks and his knowledge of his subject and contemporaries. Rick has a natural and seemingly effortless way to make these interviews flow so beautifully and the resulting interviews are pure magic. Thank you Rick Beato.

[@markvolstad9380]

These interviews will be a gold mine for musicologists in decades and centuries to come.

[@littlethuggie]

Have you ever read an interview with Mozart?

[@markvolstad9380]

@@littlethuggie Sadly, no.

[@littlethuggie]

@@markvolstad9380 there ya go. Everyone is forgotten, even the best, within 50-100 years.

[@markvolstad9380]

​@@littlethuggie I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that Mozart has been "forgotten"??

[@littlethuggie]

@@markvolstad9380 yes. This guy won't be remembered for "centuries". No one will. Maybe the name will be known in some way if you're amazing, and that's it.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

John talked a lot about his strong blues-based characteristic, but I think that what sets him apart the most is how FUNKY his playing is.

[@meadish]

Yep, there is a bunch of great blues influenced players, but most of them just don't give you stank face like Sco does.

[@roncondon4679]

Learned a LOT from Scofield's phrasing . It seems like he's late , but it works and builds the tension and the melody

@@roncondon4679 I usually describe Sco’s phrasing as “kind of slippery”, but in a good way of course.

[@siscoismyhomey]

@@roncondon4679 That quality of his phrasing plus his tone really make his playing magical. I never get tired of Sco.

[@rlustemberg]

He just swings and swings

[@roderickgful]

Scofield’s “A go go” LP is a must. Fan-damn-tastic!

[@superjay42]

I’ll never forget discovering that record in a music store back in the 90s. I was already a fan of MMW but I had no idea they’d played with Sco. I had gone specifically to look for more Scofield albums, and then I find A Go Go and flip it over to see who the other players are, and I see John, Billy, and Chris’s names and just about fell on my ass in shock. I rushed to the counter to pay for the album just to get it home and listen to it as fast as possible. I knew it couldn’t help but be amazing with players of that caliber, but I never could’ve predicted how cohesive and complementary the four of them would sound together. They’re a match made in heaven, for sure.

[@roderickgful]

@@superjay42 yes, I’ll Bluetooth it in the car & binge listen to it for weeks on end, stop for a bit then eventually return. Been a pattern since the CD era! Lol

[@adderon7476]

Top tier collab

[@cupladjs]

this dude is just cool personified... remember when musicians were cool? i miss it

[@seesuper]

He doesn't think he gets a good guitar sound?! His guitar is one of the most distinct and identifiable sounds ever. Legend. Great interview Rick!

[@timgant7141]

I'm not a fan of his tone on earlier recordings, but his tone in the last 15 years or so is as good as it gets.

[@jeffhubbard9951]

I agree about his tone, as far as his 80's stuff - early 90's, too. But, ever since he dropped the stereo chorus on "A Go Go," his tone has been as great as every other aspect of his playing - and he's been my favorite guitarist since the late '80's, so that's high praise.

[@piergiorgiosbrissa9903]

Hi Rick, I'm a 47 years old from Switzerland, and I really want to thank you. You're interviewing all my "youth" heroes: from Di Meola, to Metheny to Scofield. Thank you so much. With your channel i feel like i can fullfill all my wishes about interviews and musical taste. Keep goin'!

[@dugeniadugeniadugeniadugen5266]

Great interview! First Metheny, then DiMeola, now Scofield! All we need now is McLaughlin, Stern, and Frissel!

[@ansiemusie]

En Julian Lage

[@Yourbankaccount]

George Benson too

[@danburnes722]

These are valuable. Need to get these guys while they are still around. Players like Allan Holdsworth come to mind would have been great before he passed. How about Bill Nelson?

[@fraidwoodcesco]

@@ansiemusie I agree! And Kurt Rosenwinkel

[@TonyCamponovomusic]

Listening to him talk like a regular, down-to-earth cat, you’d never suspect what a total badass he is. Gotta love that genuine humility!

[@davidofpiano423]

I had the immense privilege of sitting about 5 feet away from John Scofield (and about 4 feet away from his amp) at the Kuumbwa jazz club in Santa Cruz almost 20 years ago. A transcendental experience.

[@sfshook8477]

I was at that show! The Kuumba is a very special gig. No matter where you are in the room, you're almost "5 feet away"! I saw Michel Petruccianni there in 1984 (I think?) with Dave Holland on bass - OH MY! That was extremely surreal. I also got to see Scofield with MMW for the A Go Go album at Yoshi's Oakland. THAT was a smokin' gig!

[@MichelLinschoten]

It sounds like you measured the distance

[@stratfanstl]

"With guitar, we don't have to breath, do we?" -- a masterclass in one sentence. If what you are playing doesn't have any breaths in it, you may impress people today but no one will be humming that song to themself decades later.

[@martincote7000]

Hey!!! How great this advice is! Been playing for 20 years and he basically changed everything for me when he said that. I picked up my guitar right after the interview with what he said in mind and I never sounded better.

[@kyriakoscharilaou1684]

John Scofield: Probably the coolest guitar player on earth rn Rick Beato: The cool uncle we all wanted to have Amazing Interview Rick!!! Keep em coming!!

[@cobmuts]

Been a Scofield fan for 40+ years - I couldn't break away from this interview ... totally awesome. He's really just like the rest of us - work really hard and maybe you'll get somewhere ... imagine that. Rick - you bring out the best in your subjects ... you know, they know you know, but you let them tell the story. I'm an old newspaperman and that's how you get a good interview. Golden.

[@WeissGuitar]

46:46 That one finger, Jazz Blues solo - and you can still hear John Scofield's feel and sound! Rick, Thank you for putting up these precious interviews!

[@RC32Smiths01]

I was actually raised on "Sco" growing up because Jazz and Jazz Fusion was really strong in my family. Appreciate this, and I will certainly cherish the interview, Rick.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

This guy is amazing. 70 years on this planet and he remembers every one of them. What a life. He reminds me of The Dude if he was a great musician and could remember stuff.

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

I had classes with John at the New School back in 1973. He was a great teacher.

[@eduardoaladro]

This is the best thing ever happened on internet. I'm just an amateur musician but just listening to these giants, and your questions, always relevant.... a real treat. We need more of this. Thank you.

[@GuiitarBilly]

‘Sound is probably everything, you know’ -John Scofield

[@justinguitarcia]

“I just want to play good” man i feel that. I feel like musicians, sort of like athletes, really feel time (both literally and figuratively). You are constantly riding time, having good nights, bad nights, great nights, always trying to be present and in the moment.

[@Wyrdo999]

John is so humble, witty, great sense of humour. This interview was great Rick. Johns truly an originator, and fantastic artist.

[@SlainteMhath]

I'll never forget the first time I saw John Scofield play live. It was at Estival Jazz in Lugano, Switzerland. I've always been a massive fan of the album Bump. I was studying abroad in Italy in 2007, and when I heard that Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood were playing this FREE jazz festival a couple train rides north, I instantly decided to go. It was incredible and kind of insane. The piazza was packed and you could barely move, but that was some of the coolest live music I've ever seen. We got there early enough to see them soundcheck. Lugano is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, as well. The whole trip left an indelible mark in my psyche. I think John Scofield is the most inventive guitar player I've ever heard. He's my all-time favorite. Dude definitely BUMPS.

[@rtp4919]

Rick, I have to say that this interview with John is probably one of the best. This is mostly due to the honesty, sincerity and humility that John is able to relate. I also enjoyed your conversation with Pat Metheny, especially when he mentioned that he used to visit the Corso and just hang by the bandstand (stage)and absorb the experience. I used to do the same thing in my late teens, I'm 73 years old now, and still love Latin Jazz. Congrats on your great interviews.

[@ChuckLarish]

25 years ago I had heard of Scofield but not very familiar with his sound. When I got the opportunity to play with him during a jazz clinic in college I was so impressed with the variety of his playing I became an instant fan for life. Such a phenomenal musician.

[@d3vol]

Top! One of those neverending interviews you never wanna stop. "You can bend STEEL!" 🤣 Living legend, he's got groove, funk, feel and...everything a guitarplayer need

[@blobscott]

These interviews are some of the best I have ever heard, regardless of subject. Rick, your knowledge of the music, history and the work of those you speak with make these incredibly special. Your style of letting the musicians talk - playing the space - is just amazing and leaves us all with these gifts of insight and history. Thank you.

[@iluvj50]

Every note this man plays is a gem.

[@DavidGatto]

Could not get into The Satriani Surfing with The Alien show at the Roxy, so I went back to Westwood- the moon was full and blue. I heard some interesting leads blowing out of a bar downtown. It was this dude, small intimate setting- could touch him, jamming his ass off. I was glad I missed the other show.

[@giac7baci]

When the man himself John Scofield talked about P Funk I almost fell out my chair, when you think about it it makes perfect sense but it legit blew my mind away! so happy my favorites listened to my favorites 🙏🏾🤙🏾

[@MadRiverMoCo]

His playing with MMW is sublime. The best live band in America for two decades and only a few knew. Scofield is the awesome. Thank you for this

[@JD_-_]

Another great interview; I appreciate the fact that you let people talk, it is the equivalent of adding space to one’s playing. Thank you for bringing us insights on these fantastic musicians which don’t get the visibility they should.

[@bogmon]

John's personality matches his playing style. What a humble and good dude. Great interview!

[@fintubi]

John's parents lived across the street from me as retirees when I was a kid in the 70s and early 80s. The first I heard of Miles Davis was when Mrs. S. mentioned that John was playing with him, with justifiable pride.

[@christopherpellerito5883]

Nice to see that Rick wore his finest Canadian Tuxedo to the Scofield interview. Can't wait to watch this one.

[@tolteke484]

Damn it Rick! Yesterday evening while falling asleep, I was thinking, maybe I should just write Rick Beato an E-Mail that he has to interview my hero! The next day… Tadaa! And man, what a great humble beautiful human being he is. Thank you so much! You made my dream come true. I bet that guitar sound was overwhelming. Lots of love from Germany. You made my day.

[@seanvine39]

IAJE festival ‘97 in Chicago. John walks up to the mic, “This evening we will be playing chords AND scales.” Ha…And then they just killed it. John’s a national treasure.

[@formfaktor]

The prototypical humble genius. I keep being fascinating with Scofield.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Incredible interview, Rick! Sco fan here since the mid 80's. Here's a good Sco/Metheny story; Hanging in The Village in 1991. 1am at NW corner of McDougal & W 3rd st at Visiones (now the Groove). Bill Stewart's jazz band is playing their last encore. It was killing! I turn around, and behind us standing inside the door is Metheny & Scofield together checking out the up & coming Stewart. I'll never forget it.

[@ChromaticHarp]

I used to see Sco at 55 Grand street, when Mike Stern Lived upstairs. He mentions it in the interview…

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

Whaaaat? Awesome Rick

[@darthmorbous]

I knew practically just rock and metal, someone showed me Pharmacology from Scofield and I went nuts for jazz... So nuts practiced my ass of for a year to get into music school, jazz major... And made it out alive hahaha. I love the man

[@grahambarnes6015]

Fantastic interview! I love story time! My keyboard player writes tunes for the band, and the guitar charts say, “play like Scofield”. We always get a good laugh.

[@RonWinter335]

I got to see John play with Miles in Atlanta somewhere around 1983 (Marcus Miller on bass!). I was going to Ga St for their newly formed Jazz Guitar studies program and Pete Hennes said listen to Scofield's Rough House album. I had to work to like it. I also got to be intimidated by Sonny Emory in Jazz Lab for two years. I'm old. Love Sco!!

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

One of only a few guys with such a unique style I know who’s playing just from hearing two notes.

[@jazzfan7491]

For those intrigued that Scofield drops into "Louie, Louie" at 50:30, Scofield covered the tune with Medeski, Martin and Wood under the title "Juicy Lucy"

[@ChromaticHarp]

I was wondering about that!

[@okramiman]

Please please please ask John back - I’ve loved his music forever and having seen this interview I also love his personality, humility and insight. Thank you sooo much!

[@lincolnosiris3665]

He is just the man. Period.

[@nickcostanzo2169]

An interview with Bill frisell would compliment this and the Metheny interview. These interviews give great insight to the history of the music and personalities of the interviewees. What a great resource to have for jazz fans and musicians. Keep up the great work Rick

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I am SOOOOO glad to hear people still talking about Smokin' At The Half Note. That's a "desert island" album to me. It is just so awesome and the Four On Six version on there is absolutely blistering from every player on it. There is actually an outtake of Four On Six where he goes on an absolute octave run for the AGES! I love Scofield too. I'm a Gov't Mule fan and years ago he done a song with Gov't Mule called Sco Mule and if anyone is a Gov't Mule fan they should definitely check that out.

[@deesee2008]

Loved the energy of yr comment.

[@ChromaticHarp]

Wasn’t the group called Sco mule?

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@ChromaticHarp I'm not sure about a group but there is for sure a song.

[@ZalMoxis]

You're doing great work Rick.... great series of interviews. The 'Sco' is awesome....

[@joelabraham6929]

Tremendous interview! Get Bill Frisell on the show!🙏♥️

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

Scofield's work with Medeski, Martin & Wood and dj Logic changed my life in the 90's. 🏆❤️

[@bjpetro3041]

My old teacher played Pat Martino's guitar, this guy is 6'4" w/ massive hands and an accomplished player. He said felt like a baby girl playing the guitar. The action was high and the neck was warping. RIP Pat Martino

[@guitarrazen]

John Scofield is my favorite musician, ever. He is the one who taught me A LOT about guitar improvisation and music.

[@buzzfretwear2906]

Sco has NO ego. Such a humble and down to earth guy (who just happens to be a monstrous legendary player).

[@daveberkheimer2166]

I love John Scofield. He has always struck me as a musician of the highest caliber, but with the humility of someone who is always reaching to be better. Can't wait to see him here in Portland on the 23rd. One more thing, I love him talking about practicing..... "If I don't practice I'm screwed!". That's one of the same things that I liked about the Tommy Emmanuel interview. They don't hide that fact that there's a commitment required to being a good musician. So many times you hear musicians say things like, "well I just pick up the guitar now and then"... and if you're someone just starting out playing, that's the last thing you need to hear.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Humble to a fault, Sco is one of the greatest guitarists to walk the earth.

[@batman3578]

Sco tried to downplay how good he is. He's a gifted musician and everything he does is absolutely fantastic listening to him while I'm writing this, he's totally amazing.

[@craigmsmithmd]

“Play with space.” Best advice. Great conversation! He’s a gem.

[@mariodriessen9740]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! My hero, John Scofield!!!! O, I can’t wait to see this! 😃❤️ O man, you had no idea how much I needed something like this to lift me up. Edit: I just finished watching the video. It was even better than I hoped for. Thank you Rick, thank you John! ❤️

[@KizetteandTotoro]

OMG, Pat Matheney and now John Scofiel! Thank you Rick!!! I’m so happy!

[@garyleemusic]

John Scofield is such a wonderful player and seems like an all around nice guy. I had the privilege of picking John up once from his hotel to drive him to a session with Lee Ritenour. He was incredible friendly and we talked about different ways of using diminished triads against different chords. A real class act.

[@richardcherry5116]

Fantastic interview! Would love to see an interview with George Benson.

[@redbarchetta8782]

One of the most uniquely amazing guitarists around.

[@ericfricke4512]

"I was kind of a chorus addict... and then I went to 'chorus anonymous' and realized I had to stop." lmao

[@tomcoryell]

It’s cool hearing John Scofield admiring Leslie West.

[@fvrmusicgr]

WOW! I somehow missed that this interview was happening! Not only do we get this marvelous insight & conversation from Sco, but I've been really wanting to know if artists such as Bill Frisell, John Medeski, and Joey Baron are on Rick's radar! Seems ridiculous to me now that I underestimated Mr. Beato. Great interview Rick! You are doing such a service to the music community as a whole with this channel.

[@jimdixon3470]

I'm 100% sure that Rick has been aware of Frisell, Medeski, and Baron for years. I also understand why up until now he hasn't prioritized featuring living jazz artists from the last 30-40 years, given the way he grew his audience with breakdown videos of classic rock and 80s pop tunes. I'm excited that he's willing to move a bit in this direction now that he's got close to 3 million subscribers and his business is pretty solid. An hour-long or even half-hour video with Joey Baron (who I love! or..with Bill Stewart for that matter) would probably not be that captivating for a big chunk of Rick's audience, as jazz (and more particularly, jazz drumming), takes a few years to really get into. The Ron Carter interview video did pretty well for Rick, but it still only has half the viewers that a recent sit-down with Adam Neely has (and Neely is great...but Ron Carter!) But Metheny and Sco and figures like Christian McBride or Branford Marsalis, jazz players with a pretty high profile, I bet we see more of this as Rick goes forward.

[@davearonow65]

@@jimdixon3470 You been under a rock? Rich has been doing jazz artist interviews and jazz song/album analyzations as long as he's been doing everything else. You must not have been paying attention.

[@SoaringTrumpet]

I would be incredibly excited to see a Joey Baron interview! What an amazing guy, what a phenomenal drummer.

[@cheneyrobert]

I had “jazz disease” 😂🤣😂🤣👏👏👏👍🏻

[@AmandaKaymusic]

😄

[@morganghetti]

Not a huge jazz guy but i like some jazz adjacent music and absolutely love Scofield . Probably the most approachable jazz guy I'm aware of and has such a unique and creative sound. His Medeski Martin and Wood albums are some of my favorite.

[@cornerstoneinme]

I forgot. Thank you J. Scofield for the music! I am 62. Started with Deep Purple around -74. Chased rock for 15 years. Now I listen to whatever if there is groove and excactly! (sorry, bad language. I´m from Sweden), haha.

[@andycarter9845]

I'm a Metheny man first, but Sco runs him a close, and the phrasing and dynamics is sublime.

[@jupitorious7925]

Disagree on that

[@fitoverforty]

Sco! Hell yeah!

[@FretboardMaestro]

Oh my goodness, I am one of Scofield's biggest fans... I'm screaming at my computer right now!!! Yes!!! Can't wait to watch this!!

[@compassionatenature]

This gets my attention. Scofield, I’m crying 3/4 of the way through. With my guitar in hand. There is so much more communicated in the music medium than words alone.

[@EgidioSalinaro]

This interview is gold!! I loved the part when John played the blues with one finger, mind blowing!! I always keep in mind I have to “sing” while improvising, feeling notes and not patterns, but this method is brilliant. You avoid finger patterns by simply deleting fingers from your phrasing. That’s how you create healthy stimulation

[@joenally4777]

this is gonna be good

[@davidespinosa1910]

Scofield is giving us a very big lesson in "being yourself".

[@winstonsmith7652]

I once heard him described as “ the most original guitarist since Hendrix.” Met him once too. It’s all true. Lovely man.

[@jaretlytle]

Can't get any cooler than Scofield. His voice even sounds like The Dude! (Big Lebowski)

[@soundmannh9790]

Wow, what an honor to even be in the same room with Scofield.

[@bobriedinger5287]

I love when Scofield goes into his funk mode; "Bump" is frequent go-to for me. Got to see him on a star-packed evening at Le Poisson, in NYC (think it was 2017 or 2018), playing with Medeski & Martin. Later on, that same evening, Billy Martin hosted Bill Frisell & Nels Cline. What a night.

[@matto9734]

Definitely one of my G.O.A.T.S. since the 80s! Rick, you obviously get closer to closing the circle with interviewing the greats on your channel. It´s like following you and your interview partner into the mines of making music - fascinating. This one calls for a follow up big time... the last 10 minutes - gold!!! John never stops being curious about what is currently happening on the scene -> Scary Goldings with MonoNeon, Larry and the marvellous Scary Pockets Duo... It´s obvious how much it means to you to have him on your show.

[@denisgeorge9287]

I like the way Rick lets the guest speak without interrupting.

[@joelhague5515]

Wow, one of the greats for sure. Saw Scofield in Providence, RI at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotal sometime in the late 1990s. I have never seen anyone with as much dynamic control of guitar volume before or since. He was going from whispers to screams inside of a couple of seconds, and he was NOT using a volume pedal, he was doing it all via touch and the guitar volume knobs. He and the band were killer!

[@franciscoorejarena7849]

I saw Scofield in October 2018 at Blue Note in Greenwich and his band was absolutely fucking amazing. He is such a good musician, too, letting each member shine. He was really good, and still wanted his band to be the focal point. He's an idol of mine, used to listen to Blue Matter a lot when I was younger.

[@GreenFoal-Equine-SDG-Journey]

Very very enjoyable from beginning to the very end of the interview!!! Thank you Rick Beato & John Scofield. 😄😄👍👍👍👍👍✨✨😍😍😍