John Scofield owes a lot to Medeski, Martin & Wood for the success of "A Go Go." The trio, playing piano and organ, bass as well as drums, adds a wealth of lively vibes to Scofield's curious, joyous guitar playing. "A Go Go" is an album of mostly breezy, sometimes tense, jam-based grooves. Its charm lies in its 'big city meets tropical' feel. The four musicians create such a warm, dynamic sound that trying to resist the urge to tap your foot along to the rhythm becomes a sheer impossibility. The first track is a delight of plucked guitars and plump new jazz. Also outstanding are "Kubrick," a rapturous, gentle tempo change full of enigmatic tension, and "Hottentot," a masterpiece of dynamic interplay. Not a single bit of filler is to be found in the ten pieces. Scofield clearly had his pleasure in this collaboration, his guitars seem to just speak the pleasure. With great confidence, his alternately strummed and plucked playing blends with or stands out from the sound of the young trio. As much pleasure as "A Go Go" provides, it is balanced as Scofield and his troupe vary tempo and key with great experience throughout the album. "A Go Go" is far more than four "cool cats" jamming together and enjoying their collective work. It is a tremendously entertaining, insightful journey. Recording: at Avatar Studio, New York, by Joe Ferla, Production: Noel Grey & Susan Scofield. Guitar legend John Scofield merges with trip-hop jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood on this influential and popular album, originally released on New Year's Day 1998. The quartet gets funky on "Chank" and the organ-drenched "Hottentot" and references Scofield's fusion roots on album highlight "Jeep on 35." /// Verve By Request Series: remastered, 180-gram audiophile-quality vinyl from Third Man Pressing / Detroit, with gatefold cover.