Track Listing

1. Busted
2. What'd I Say
3. Sticks And Stones
4. I Don't Need No Doctor
5. Cryin' Time
6. I Can't Stop Loving You
7. Hit The Road Jack
8. Talkin' 'Bout You/I Got A Woman
9. Unchain My Heart (Part 1)
10. Let's Go Get Stoned
11. Night Time Is The Right Time
12. You Don't Know Me
13. Georgia On My Mind

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28637 in Music
• Released on: 2005-06-07
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
That's What I Say, pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles. It ranges from lesser-known Charles gems to some of his most signature tunes. Scofield crafts each tune in his own distinctive style, putting his indelible stamp on every performance.

Amazon.com
Although sure to be criticized for cashing in on the Ray Charles bandwagon, jazzman John Scofield’s 2005 tribute release is also one of the most varied yet successful albums in the guitarist’s extensive catalog. Shifting from a big band/multi-vocalist approach for the classic "What’d I Say" featuring an all-star lineup of Dr. John, Warren Haynes, Aaron Neville, John Mayer and Mavis Staples trading verses (they all also take solo vocals on other tracks), along with longtime Charles saxist David "Fathead" Newman, to the lone guitar rendition of "Georgia on my Mind" that closes the disc, Scofield celebrates both Charles’ music and his eclectic approach to it. The stripped down instrumental version of "Crying Time" with only funereal organ accompaniment is perfectly offset by the following gospelized reading of "I Can’t Stop Loving You," brought home by Mavis Staples’ explosive vocal. Teen throb John Mayer acquits himself admirably on vocals and guitar, singing and trading licks with Scofield on a rugged "I Don’t Need No Doctor," and Dr. John brings New Orleans soul on a greasy "Talkin’ Bout You"/"I Got a Woman" medley. The horn section gets a workout on powerfully swinging instrumental takes of "Hit the Road Jack" and "Let’s Go Get Stoned." Scofield’s quivering solos show moderation yet convey the music’s R&B roots, even when he’s turning up the heat on a rousing Medeski, Martin and Wood -styled, acid laced "Sticks and Stones." Producer/drummer Steve Jordan finds the perfect vibe between jazz and R&B, and keeps the guest vocalists from stealing the spotlight. He provides the ideal framework for John Scofield’s fiery yet restrained playing and a fitting tribute to a jazz/R&B icon. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews

Incredible tribute
I am a big JS fan, as a musician he is an incredible composer and also a great guitar player,The CD brings you an incredible horn arrangements, Larry Goldings a superb organ player and a very nice mix of artist from the pop, rhythm blues and gospel areas, also incredible solos from JS. I heard him twice live in Boston at Berklee College of Music when I was student , for all the tributes honoring the music of Ray Charles this is the best so far, don't miss this one

Not his best outing.
I'm a big JS fan. I pick up all of his albums and go to see him when I can. With the exception of a few tracks, I think that this album is disappointing. The problem is that the band really is playing the music of Ray Charles, but Scofield is playing Scofield. Alone, these are great grooves. Together, it sounds like the band and guitar parts were recorded separately. Furthermore, I don't know about these vocalists. Except for Dr. John, it all sounds like pop. It's good pop, but it doesn't fit with JS. I would recommend the album, but only after "A Go Go", "Bump", and "Works For Me."

The Genius of Ray Charles continues
I heard the beginning of "What I say" in my car on the way to work. I thought, "Hey Hey! How cool the Neville Brothers and Dr. John are doing some Ray Charles." Then I heard the guitar solo at the end and I luckily pulled into the office lot before wrecking.

"Who did the Nevilles hire to sound like flipping John Scofield?!?! Brilliant!!!"

When the dj declared it was from the new John Scofield album, I was glad that I had already parked because it absolutely flipped my lid. A whole disc of this stuff!! Yeah!!

This disc is a wonderful wonderful disc in every way. Joyful, soulfull. Cool! Even when we are through being cool, ha.

Jazz blues soul RnB, whatever. This is the fresh living sound of the great song and music that Ray Charles has gifted us with.

And Thank you John Scofield and Co for continuing to play these tunes with style, love, and spirit.