John Scofield That's What I Say CD

Personnel: John Scofield (guitar); Warren Haynes (vocals, bottleneck guitar); Dr. John (vocals, piano); Manolo Badrena (vocals, timbales, percussion); Aaron Neville, John Mayer , Mavis Staples (vocals); David "Fathead" Newman , Alex Foster (tenor saxophone); Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone); Larry Goldings (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ, vibraphone); Willie Weeks (bass instrument); Steve Jordan (drums, background vocals); Lisa Fischer (background vocals).
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
Guitarist John Scofield joins the wake for the legendary Ray Charles (who passed away in 2004) with 2005's THAT'S WHAT I SAY, a tribute album that mixes jazz with soul and traditional R&B. Scofield lays down stinging leads over funky rhythms on a wide variety of tunes, all of which were given definitive readings by Charles at some point.
While Scofield and his band (which includes drummer Steve Jordan, who also produced the album) smoke on the instrumentals, and Scofield takes the spotlight with a solo performance of "Georgia on My Mind," the record's real pleasure comes from its guest stars. Everyone from saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman (one of Charles's longtime band members) to singer/songwriter John Mayer lends a hand here, along with Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, and Dr. John. "What'd I Say" is the album's centerpiece: the treatment bears a tasty groove and boasts rotating vocals from the guests. On this tune and elsewhere, the musicians are in top form, and their true love of Charles and his music shines through.Down Beat (p.74) - 3 stars out of 5 - "The emphasis on material from Charles' country crossover period allows Scofield to venture into more roots Americana stylings than usual."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.109) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[H]e's inventive enough and ever ready to toss new angles at the listener."