A Little Jazz Then…And Now

Photo by Gabriel Barletta on Unsplash

Memories of Home; John Scofield; Dave Holland; ECM; Catalogue # ECM 2860; Recorded 08/??/2024; Time 00:54:56; Release Date: 11/21/2025.

Musicians: John Scofield (guitar); Dave Holland (double bass).

Track 1: Icons at the Fair (John Scofield, 2018); The unique call and response introduction between Scofield’s electric guitar and Holland’s double bass set the tone for the balance of the chart.

Scofield initiates the melody at 00:01:08, a hybrid blend of Latin, blues, pop, and jazz. At 00:03:42, they switch roles with Holland taking the melodic lead and Scofield now supplying the rhythmic support.

He recaptures the melody at 00:04:54 as the call and response interweave resumes until 00:05:36, when Scofield concludes the chart with a dramatic chord.

Track 2: Meant to Be (John Scofield, 1990); From the initial bass introduction, this track is an example of the melodic intimacy possible in a duet. Throughout the track Holland’s bass alternately provides rhythmic support, then transitions into expansion of the melody. To me, the most notable aspect of the track are the seamless transitions between the two roles for both musicians. The music is both mellow and soothing.

Track 3: Mine Are Blues (John Scofield, 2025); This track is driven by dynamics. It’s upbeat and propelled by the melody, the frenetic pace of their melodic variations and their continuing efforts to create and merge rhythmic mutations. At times, it feels that they’re having a contest to create a different texture to the piece, but it’s done brilliantly. This should be required listening for anyone aspiring to play jazz guitar or double bass.

Track 4: Memorette (John Scofield, 2018); Scofield’s melody over Holland’s walking bass line is artfully done. Their playing styles each complement the other. Again, the exchanges of melodic and rhythmic responsibilities are flawlessly executed and allow the chart to flow. Nothing is awkward about either the process, or the finished product.

Track 5: Mr. B (dedicated to Ray Brown) (Dave Holland, 1997); This is a light swing chart dedicated to Ray Brown, who was Dave Holland’s mentor. Holland’s bass anchors Scofield’s melodic excursion before taking the reins of the melody himself. They switch roles one last time before the conclusion of the track.

Track 6: Not for Nothin’ (Dave Holland, 2000); John initiates the melody over Dave’s bass vamp introduction until the 00:03:40 mark, when Dave begins a melodic bass solo while John provides rhythmic stability. At 00:04:49, John regains melodic control through the end of the chart.

Track 7: Easy for You (John Scofield, 1992); Guitar over bass introduction leads into a blues melody. While there are some bass fills in this track, the guitar largely dominates. Like the preceding tracks, this one is tastefully written and performed. It’s mellow and melodically pleasant.

Track 8: You I Love (Dave Holland, 1984); Guitar over bass introduction takes us into another blues melody, though this one is a bit more upbeat. Scofield carries the melody to 00:02:44, where Holland takes a solo over his guitar. At 00:04:05, Scofield returns to the melody until the chart’s conclusion at 00:04:53.

Track 9: Memories of Home (Dave Holland, 1985); The final track is representative of the entire release. It has a blues feel: understated, relaxed, and well conceived. John Scofield’s playing throughout this track is restrained, controlled, and appropriate. It’s brilliantly supported by Dave Holland’s double bass.

You’ll notice this review is more concise that my usual blog. Unlike some of the recordings I feature, there are only two musicians involved in the performance. That simplifies things numerically, but complicates other aspects. Two musicians are now responsible for melody, harmony, tempo, rhythm and dynamics. Yet, they’ve completed the task to perfection.

This recording defines how a good duet should sound and be executed. It’s two skilled musicians working together, contributing to the success of the other. The musicians are equals, masters of their crafts.

If you’re unfamiliar with duets, you may become a fan after listening to this release. People unfamiliar with jazz, or music in general, feel that a duet is the simplest form of music. Compared to an orchestral arrangement that may seem true until you consider you’re receiving the same relative product, but it’s been produced by twenty fewer musicians.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The materials used in the composition and maintenance of this blog are from my personal musical archives. Neither the content, nor the comments regarding the artists or the quality of the music, are influenced, supported, or compensated by any outside entities. The observations made are based solely on my experiences as a musician.