John Scofield s stature as a modern jazz master on electric guitar puts him in a sweet spot for this simmering, sexy collaboration with acid jazz pathfinders Medeski, Martin and Wood, Scofield s taut and spicy lines striking sparks against the soulful grooves pitched by drummer Billy Martin, keyboard colorist John Medeski, and bassist Chris Wood. Far from a cheap commercial shot, the leader s plunge into this reheated 60s style is appropriately redolent of its funk heritage and his own astringent command of sharp lyrical and smart harmonic asides. --Sam Sutherland