Watch John Scofield - New Morning: The Paris Concert
- 2010
- 2 hr 15 min
John Scofield is a jazz guitarist who is known for his versatility and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of the genre. In this concert movie, titled "John Scofield - New Morning: The Paris Concert," Scofield performs with his quartet at the New Morning club in Paris. The movie opens with footage of the quartet warming up backstage. We see Scofield fiddling with his guitar while the other members of the group chat and laugh. There's a sense of camaraderie and friendship amongst the musicians that's immediately apparent, and it sets the tone for the rest of the movie.
Once the quartet takes the stage, the energy in the room shifts. They launch into the first song, an upbeat and lively number that showcases Scofield's masterful guitar playing. The crowd responds enthusiastically, clapping along and swaying to the music.
Throughout the movie, Scofield and his quartet perform a mix of new material and classic favorites. There are slow and contemplative ballads, as well as fast and frenetic pieces that show off the musicians' technical chops. Scofield's guitar playing is often front and center, but the other members of the quartet are given plenty of opportunities to shine as well. There are moments when the focus shifts to the drummer, for example, and his intricate rhythms provide a foundation for the rest of the music.
One of the things that's most striking about this concert movie is the sense of collaboration amongst the musicians. They're all clearly very skilled at their individual instruments, but they're also able to play off of each other and create something that feels greater than the sum of its parts. There are moments when the quartet seems to be improvising entirely, all following each other's lead in a way that feels natural and effortless.
In between songs, there are brief moments of banter and conversation between the musicians. Scofield seems like a laid-back and affable guy, cracking jokes and taking the occasional playful jab at his bandmates. There's also a sense of mutual respect and admiration, with each member of the quartet acknowledging and praising the others' abilities.
The concert movie is shot in a relatively straightforward fashion, with a mix of close-ups and wider shots that give a sense of the overall atmosphere in the club. There are no flashy camera angles or effects, but that feels appropriate given the focus on the music itself. The lighting is dim and moody, adding to the intimate vibe of the performance.
Overall, "John Scofield - New Morning: The Paris Concert" is a treat for fans of jazz guitar and live music in general. The quartet is immensely talented and clearly loves playing together, and that enthusiasm is infectious. The music itself is a mix of classic and contemporary jazz styles, all delivered with a sense of skill and artistry that's hard to deny. Whether you're a longtime fan of John Scofield or simply interested in seeing a group of incredibly talented musicians perform, this concert movie is definitely worth checking out.