John Scofield Band
John Scofield Band John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles featuring Scofield (guitar), John Benitez (bass), Steve Hass (drums), Gary Versace (keyboards), and Meyer Statham (vocals & trombone). The 13 tracks on That's What I Say, John Scofield's tribute to "The Genius" Ray Charles, range from lesser-known Charles gems to some of his most signature tunes. However, Scofield crafts each tune in his own distinctive style, putting his indelible stamp on every performance. Scofield, a fan of Charles’ since childhood, showcases his well-known guitar mastery as well as his strengths as an arranger and interpreter of song throughout the tribute, particularly in his inventive horn arrangements. You can groove to it on disk, but there's nothing like Scofield and his mighty guitar live and up-close-and-personal.

Scofield made inspired choices when inviting collaborators to join in on this recording. Dr. John brings some N’awlins soul to the medley “Talkin’ Bout You/I Got A Woman,” while Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, and The Dead takes on “Night Time Is The Right Time.” GRAMMY®-winning pop star John Mayer showcases the breadth of his talents by singing and playing guitar on “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” and Aaron Neville’s inimitable voice elevates “You Don’t Know Me.” David “Fathead” Newman blows smoldering sax solos throughout, and the incomparable Mavis Staples leads “I Can’t Stop Loving You” deep into the blues.

Other tunes selected by Scofield for this tribute include the party-like “Sticks and Stones” (propelled by Golding’s Hammond B-3 wizardry), the tender ballad “Cryin’ Time,” and the slow, steady groove of “Unchain My Heart (Part 1).” That’s What I Say closes with Scofield’s reverent, solo acoustic interpretation of one of Charles’ most beloved hits, “Georgia On My Mind.”