Emarcy

John Scofield’s follow-up to the gospel-driven Piety Street is a 180 degree shift: an album of ballads. This is not elevator muzak or instrumental versions of “adult contemporary.” These 12 tunes are sublime selections, exquisitely touching because of the sensitive musicianship of Scofield’s accompanists, Larry Goldings (piano/organ), Scott Colley (bass) and Brian Blade (drums). Scofield’s five worthy originals (notably “Johan” ) stand confidently beside the standards. The group’s cohesive interplay is on full display in “I Want To Talk About You,” where they respond to Scofield’s intense phrasing and contrasts in register before Goldings takes a turn on piano. A supreme rendition of “I Loves You, Porgy” closes the disc, and we’re left, gently and contemplatively, thinking of the album’s title.