Quiet (1996)

As atypical a project as the eclectic John Scofield has ever delivered, Quiet features him on acoustic guitar, surrounded by a darkly timbred brass section steeped in textures that brilliantly recall the late arranger Gil Evans. Scofield's concise improvisations share the same concern for finely etched melody as his memorable compositions. Exceptional contributions by saxophonist Wayne Shorter and bassist Steve Swallow help cement this as a late-season entry for jazz record of the year. A