PORTLAND – A principal innovator of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music and orchestral ensembles – always with ease and enthusiasm.
The world-renowned guitarist, who’s set to release his 36th solo album called “Piety Street” in late March, will perform with the Piety Street Band at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Port City Music Hall.
“Piety Street” is a blues-inflected album with an adapted gospel repertoire. Joining Scofield on the album are Jon Cleary on piano, organ and vocals; George Porter Jr. on bass and Ricky Fataar on drums. John Bouttè and Shannon Powell guest.
“I’ve always wanted to record and tour a blues project,” said Scofield in a prepared statement. “That’s where I started as a guitarist and I’m feeling that music more than ever of late. I launched a personal search for musical inspiration beyond the standard 12 bar blues and found it in old-time gospel music – the closest relative to and inspiration for the R&B that we all love.”
Track highlights include Dorothy Love Coates’ “That’s Enough;” the Thomas A. Dorsey classics “Never Turn Back” and “Old Ship Of Zion;” Rev. James Cleveland’s “Something’s Got A Hold On Me;” and the traditional “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child.”
Tickets to the April 2 performance are $28 in advance, $30 at the door. They are available at www.PortCityMusicHall.com and at all Bull Moose music stores. Port City Music Hall is at 504 Congress St., 899-4990.
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