Piety Street
John Scofield · 2009
62 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A soulful blend of jazz and gospel infused with bluesy grooves and heartfelt improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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That's Enough Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Motherless Child — This track stands out with its emotive guitar solos and dynamic vocal interplay, capturing the essence of longing inherent in the original spiritual.
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His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Scofield’s interpretation features lush harmonies and subtle rhythmic shifts, creating a contemplative space that highlights the song's themes of faith and resilience.
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I'll Fly Away — The lively arrangement showcases Scofield's ability to blend traditional melodies with modern jazz sensibilities, making it a standout example of joy amidst sorrow.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions with heartfelt improvisation, blending jazz and gospel influences effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response patterns, particularly in the interplay between guitar and organ.
- Each track typically begins with a clear melodic statement before transitioning into extended improvisation sections.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional gospel themes, with arrangements that emphasize soulful grooves and rhythmic variations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- soulful reflections for quiet moments
- rich improvisation for attentive listening
- uplifting energy for communal vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Scofield's artistic depth, blending jazz and gospel with emotional resonance.
- Career context
- By the time John Scofield released Piety Street in 2009, he was an established figure in jazz, known for his innovative guitar work. This album marked a return to roots, showcasing his deep connections to gospel music after years of exploring diverse genres. It followed his acclaimed work on albums like 2006's This Meets That, highlighting his continued evolution as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· Mike Stern· Bill Frisell
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Angel of Death
The narrative shifts from collective lament to personal reflection, addressing mortality with raw honesty.
This transition creates a poignant contrast between communal grief and intimate introspection, deepening the emotional impact of the track.
Tracklist
- 1 That's Enough Start here 3:46
- 2 Motherless Child 5:24
- 3 It's a Big Army 5:32
- 4 His Eye Is on the Sparrow 4:15
- 5 Something's Got a Hold on Me 4:47
- 6 The Old Ship of Zion 4:26
- 7 99 and a Half 4:08
- 8 Just a Little While to Stay Here 5:59
- 9 Never Turn Back 4:41
- 10 Walk With Me 5:11
- 11 But I Like the Message 3:29
- 12 The Angel of Death 6:43
- 13 I'll Fly Away 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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