Who's Who? cover

Who's Who?

John Scofield · 1979

63 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion, with intricate guitar work and eclectic rhythms driving each track's dynamic exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Looks Like Meringue Start here — Opening the album with a playful yet intricate melody, this track encapsulates Scofield's ability to blend technical prowess with accessibility.
  • →
    Who's Who? — The title track stands out for its sophisticated structure and engaging improvisation, showcasing Scofield's signature guitar tone and compositional skill.
  • →
    How the West Was Won — This track features an adventurous spirit, combining traditional jazz elements with modern influences, illustrating Scofield's innovative approach to genre blending.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic interplay, solidifying Scofield's place in jazz fusion.

What we noticed

  • Guitar solos frequently intertwine with brass and keyboard arrangements, creating a dense texture that evolves throughout each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Looks Like Meringue' to the more contemplative 'Who's Who?'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 exploration
  • dynamic ensemble interplay
  • intricate guitar work focus
  • suitable for attentive listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • want instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish Scofield's reputation in jazz fusion.
Career context
Released in 1979, Who's Who? is John Scofield's second studio album, following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a prominent guitarist within the jazz fusion scene, collaborating with influential figures like Miles Davis and continuing to refine his unique sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Pat Metheny· Mike Stern· Bill Frisell

Tracklist

  • 1 Looks Like Meringue Start here 6:46
  • 2 Cassidae 6:01
  • 3 The Beatles 4:59
  • 4 Spoons 5:12
  • 5 Who's Who? 6:21
  • 6 How the West Was Won 7:49
  • 7 Beckon Call 7:03
  • 8 New Strings Attached 6:11
  • 9 How to Marry a Millionaire 6:37
  • 10 Fat Dancer 6:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata