Biography

THE JOHN SCOFIELD AND JOE LOVANO QUARTET
Biographies
2008-2009

It's often said that history repeats itself but in the instance of making music, a reunion of two performers will not necessarily bring about the sounds of their collective past. Grammy-winning saxophonist/composer Joe Lovano and the equally lauded guitarist/composer John Scofield are preparing another turn together in the public eye. One of the most popular groups of the early 1990's, the satisfying musical coalition of Joe Lovano and John Scofield has kept their mutual fans waiting almost 20 years for this next merger. Despite three decades of close friendship, these stellar musicians have (with the exception of a brief pairing in the powerhouse group ScoLoHoFo with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Al Foster) spent little time performing together in public. Every audience on their 2008 tour will enjoy the next level in their partnership - the sum of their collective years of experience, creativity and technique presented with intensity, skill and fun.
JOE LOVANO was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, and began playing sax as a child. Known for both small and large group ensembles, Lovano stands out as one of the most successful saxophonists in Jazz today. He has distinguished himself for some three decades as a prescient and pathfinding force in the arena of creative music. He has earned praise, not just for his compelling saxophone tone and improvisational ability but also for his forward- thinking presentation of new musical ideas and ensemble concepts. From his recent work with Gunther Schuller, Streams of Expression, to his work as Gary Burton Chair of Jazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, the Cleveland native continually challenges and pushes conceptual and thematic choices in his quest for new modes of artistic expression and new definitions of the jazz idiom. He has released 18 celebrated albums on the Blue Note label, including 2007's Grammy-nominated Kids, a duet recording with iconic pianist Hank Jones. Joe is the husband of singer Judi Silvano.
Born in Ohio in 1951, JOHN SCOFIELD is considered one of the "big three" of current jazz guitarists - along with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. His influence began in the late 70's and is going strong today. Possessor of a distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B. He has prominently led his own groups in the international Jazz scene, recorded over 35 albums as a leader (many already classics) and collaborated with contemporary favorites and jazz legends like Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland and Phil Lesh to name only a few. Throughout his career Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music. All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind and a variety of audiences in the jazz, rock and classical realms. Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband and father of two.
When it comes to a rhythm section, choosing someone named Matt is a very good idea.
A flexible and creative drummer, MATT WILSON has been a fixture on the east coast jazz scene for over twenty years. He was born in September of 1964 and raised in the prairie town of Knoxville, Illinois. His sheer musicality has attracted a range of bandleaders to Wilson. Since arriving in New York City, Matt has become one of the most sought after drummers, working with a wide variety of great musicians including Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, Dewey Redman, Cecil McBee, Sheila Jordan, Lee Konitz, and too many more to mention. His own projects as a leader have met with wide critical acclaim. Wilson is married to a violinist and the father of four.
New Zealand native MATT PENMAN was born in November 1974 and relocated to New York City in 1995. Classically and jazz trained, Matt has spent the last several years traveling the world like a minstrel with his double bass. He has played with San Francisco Jazz Collective, John Scofield, Kenny Werner, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Nneena Freelon, Kurt Rosenwinkel, David Berkman, Guillermo Klein, Mika Pohjola, Peter Bernstein and Sam Yahel amongst others. A rising star in the international jazz realm, Penman is in constant demand as a sideman and also developing his reputation as a leader.
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