Is Time on My Hands a good place to start with John Scofield?

Yes, Time on My Hands is recommended as a starting point for new John Scofield listeners. A dynamic blend of jazz fusion and improvisational flair, showcasing intricate guitar work over lush instrumentals. Released in 1990, Time on My Hands was John Scofield's fifth studio album, marking a period of creative expansion following his acclaimed 1988 album, Loud Jazz. By this time, Scofield had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach to fusion and collaboration with jazz legends.

Who is Time on My Hands for?

Time on My Hands works well if you're into steady exploration of themes, intricate guitar lines to enjoy and great for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Time on My Hands?

Time on My Hands has 11 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Time on My Hands

John Scofield · 1990

63 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A dynamic blend of jazz fusion and improvisational flair, showcasing intricate guitar work over lush instrumentals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wabash III Start here — This opening track features intricate guitar riffs layered over a rhythmic complexity that sets the tone for the entire album. It's a showcase of Scofield's unique ability to blend melody with improvisation.
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Since You Asked — In this track, the interplay between the guitar and horns captures a vibrant conversation that highlights Scofield's knack for weaving together different musical voices seamlessly.
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Stranger to the Light — This piece stands out with its atmospheric quality and emotive solos, demonstrating Scofield's lyrical playing style and his ability to evoke deep feelings through music.
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Fat Lip — As one of the shorter tracks, it packs a punch with its catchy grooves and playful energy, showcasing Scofield's lighter side while still maintaining technical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Sophisticated compositions and intricate musicianship define this jazz fusion album.

What we noticed

The album features intricate guitar solos that often weave in and out of the ensemble, creating a conversational dynamic.
The use of space is notable; many sections allow for extended pauses that highlight the interplay between instruments.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 exploration of themes
intricate guitar lines to enjoy
great for afternoon relaxation
vibrant rhythms for focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, upbeat tracks
want immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases sophisticated composition, marking a high point in Scofield's creative expansion.
Career context: Released in 1990, Time on My Hands was John Scofield's fifth studio album, marking a period of creative expansion following his acclaimed 1988 album, Loud Jazz. By this time, Scofield had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach to fusion and collaboration with jazz legends.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· Mike Stern· Bill Frisell