A Go Go
A Go Go makes a strong case for keeping jazz complicated beneath the surface and easy to enjoy above it. John Scofield joins keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Chris Wood and drummer Billy Martin for music built around funk rhythms. The guitar has plenty of room to wander, but a clear groove always gives those journeys a direction.
The title track introduces that balance with a relaxed, slightly rough guitar sound and a rhythm that encourages movement. Scofield gradually adds sharper edges without upsetting the pocket. Medeski's organ brings its own unusual colours, giving the melody more character than a straightforward backing part would.
Chank works from a tight rhythm-guitar figure. Organ and guitar fit together closely before the solo stretches the tune further. It is a good example of how this group can make a simple starting point feel full of possibilities. The blues and R&B connections remain clear even when Scofield takes an angular route through the melody.
There is welcome breathing space too. Kubrick provides a gentler setting with an unsettled feeling underneath. That change in tone helps the album avoid becoming one long demonstration of funk technique. Hottentot then puts the musicians' shared sense of timing back in the foreground. The interest comes from how they respond to one another, as much as from any individual performance.
The direct production suits that approach. Bass, drums, keys and guitar each have a distinct role, and the music stays warm and lively. Listeners seeking a more traditional jazz setting will need to meet this record on its own terms. For everyone drawn to expressive guitar and a strong rhythm section, A Go Go offers serious playing with an unusually welcoming feel.
