Is Past Present a good place to start with John Scofield?

Yes, Past Present is recommended as a starting point for new John Scofield listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, blending intricate guitar work with dynamic rhythms and rich improvisation. By the time 'Past Present' was released in 2015, John Scofield had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz. This album followed his acclaimed works like 'A Moment's Peace' and showcased his continued evolution as a guitarist and composer, reflecting his deep engagement with both traditional and contemporary jazz forms.

Who is Past Present for?

Past Present works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove exploration, intricate guitar work appreciation and reflective listening on quiet afternoons.

How many songs are on Past Present?

Past Present has 9 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Past Present

John Scofield · 2015

52 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, blending intricate guitar work with dynamic rhythms and rich improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Slinky Start here — This track opens the album with a catchy groove, showcasing Scofield's signature guitar style complemented by tight ensemble playing that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
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Museum — Offering a blend of contemplative melodies and intricate arrangements, this track exemplifies Scofield's skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes while maintaining rhythmic depth.
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Enjoy The Future! — With its upbeat tempo and joyful energy, this track captures the essence of Scofield's playful approach to composition and improvisation, making it a highlight on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, blending jazz and funk with a distinctive sound.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where the guitar takes center stage, often engaging in call-and-response with the rhythm section.
Each track maintains a distinct groove, with varying tempos that shift from upbeat funk to more contemplative jazz passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove exploration
intricate guitar work appreciation
reflective listening on quiet afternoons
dynamic rhythms for focused work

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and innovation in Scofield's established jazz fusion style.
Career context: By the time 'Past Present' was released in 2015, John Scofield had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz. This album followed his acclaimed works like 'A Moment's Peace' and showcased his continued evolution as a guitarist and composer, reflecting his deep engagement with both traditional and contemporary jazz forms.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· Mike Stern· Bill Frisell