Time on My Hands

by Scott YanowJohn Scofield's airy and instantly recognizable guitar is featured in a sparse quartet on this Blue Note CD. He performs 11 of his quirky compositions which, although occasionally hinting at Charles Mingus or Ornette Coleman, are true originals with new chord changes and sly unpredictable melodies. Bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Jack DeJohnette, both experts at utilizing space as part of the music, fit in perfectly with Scofield and display fire and swing in the appropriate spots. Joe Lovano's tenor also has its own sound and his stimulating solos consistently inspire Scofield. Recommended.