John Scofield©Andrea Canter

One of the working legends of modern jazz guitar (typically mentioned with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell), John Scofield has enjoyed an eclectic career since his student days at Berklee in Boston. Most recently in the Twin Cities with his acclaimed New Orleans project, the Piety Street Band (at the Dakota in 2009 and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in 2010), and his mainstream quartet (at the Dakota in 2011), Scofield returns to the Dakota on September 18th with a stunning trio, featuring bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart.

Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, John Scofield started guitar at age 11, finding inspiration initially in the great rock and blues artists.  He went on to Berklee, and after his recording debut with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, he joined the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus and began a tenure the Gary Burton quartet, moving on to work with Miles Davis  from1982-1985. By this time he had become a significant figure on the international jazz and funk-oriented electronic music scenes, as both a player and composer.  Some of his most distinctive collaborations have included  Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Marc Johnson, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Dave Holland.

Bill Stewart©Jan Scheffner

In addition to his recent exploits with the Piety Street Band and his acoustic quartet and trio, Scofield has been touring throughout 2012 with his new Hollowbody Band, featuring guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, bassist Ben Street, and drummer Bill Stewart. His work with Stewart and Steve Swallow dates back to their 2004 trio recording, En Route, and an expanded band for 2007’s This Means That. Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, Scofield finds time to teach as an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University.

Steve Swallow© Roberto Cifiarelli

Growing up in Des Moines, IA, Bill Stewart listened to his parents’ jazz and R&B albums, teaching himself to play drums at age 7. He played in his high school bands and attended the Stanford Jazz Workshop, then went on to the University of Northern Iowa, transferring after two years to William Paterson University. There he studied with Rufus Reid, Eliot Zigmund, David Samuels and Horacee Arnold, and worked with Joe Lovano. After moving to New York, Stewart worked with John Scofield’s Quartet and in a trio with Larry Goldings and Peter Bernstein, moving into funk with Maceo Parker and a gig with the great James Brown. He’s also worked with the Kevin Hayes Trio, appearing on five recordings. He has additionally played with Lee Konitz, Michael Brecker and Pat Metheny, has recorded with Bill Carrothers, and has toured and recorded as leader of his own ensembles.

The John Scofield Trio will play just one night at the Dakota Jazz Club, at 7 and 9 pm on September 18th.

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; reserved tickets recommended at www.dakotacooks.com or 612-332-5299.

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