Swallow Tales

The electric guitarist John Scofield comes full circle with this fine trio release, revising original pieces from veteran bass player Steve Swallow’s repertoire…The trio’s close rapport means... — BBC Music Magazine, July 2020, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 5th Jun 2020
Catalogue No: 0868394
Label: ECM

BBC Music Magazine

July 2020

Jazz Choice
AllMusic

Editor's Choice

June 2020

She Was Young 9.33

Falling Grace 5.27

Portsmouth Figurations 3.31

Awful Coffee 9.28

Elderdown 7.13

Hullo Bolinas 4.15

Away 4.54

In F 4.34

Radio 4.21

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Guitarist John Scofield celebrates the music of his friend and mentor Steve Swallow in an outgoing and spirited recording, made in a day in New York in March 2019 "old school" style as Scofield says, while acknowledging that more than forty years of preparation led up to it.

John was a 20-year-old student at Berklee when he first met and played with the bassist, and they have continued ever since. "I love these songs", says Scofield of the selection of Swallow compositions explored here a broad range including classics such as "Hullo Bolinas", "Eiderdown", "Falling Grace" and "Radio", as well as lesser-known works. The rapport between Scofield and Swallow is evident in every moment. John: "Sometimes when we play it's like one big guitar, the bass part and my part together."

Behind the drum kit, Bill Stewart, a close associate of Scofield's since the early 90s, is alert to all the implications of the interaction. "What Bill does is more than 'playing the drums,'" Scofield says. "He's a melodic voice in the music, while also swinging really hard."

Personnel: John Scofield (guitar), Steve Swallow (bass), Bill Stewart (drums)

Reviews

July 2020

The electric guitarist John Scofield comes full circle with this fine trio release, revising original pieces from veteran bass player Steve Swallow’s repertoire…The trio’s close rapport means they can nail a deeply satisfying session like this in just an afternoon…The musical synergy is thrilling. As Scofield succinctly puts it in the CD liner: ‘When we play it’s like one big guitar, the bass part and my part together.

June 2020

An intimate and textured trio date from the guitarist, spotlighting bassist Steve Swallow's compositions.

August 2020

Time has served these pieces exceptionally well, and so does the group’s energy throughout Swallow Tales. That spirit comes across from the first notes of “She Was Young.” Scofield’s relaxed vibe includes an array of low-key effects that quietly embellish his approach to the melody, while Swallow’s lines become intertwined with all of the guitarist’s turns.

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