Internationally acclaimed NYU Steinhardt Jazz guitar faculty member John Scofield was born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut. At age 11 he began guitar lessons, inspired by both rock and blues players. A local teacher introduced him to Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Pat Martino, which sparked a lifelong love of jazz. John played with a wide variety of jazz greats including Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Billy Cobham/George Duke, Gerry Mulligan, McCoy Tyner, Jim Hall, and Gary Burton. In 1982, he began a three-and-a-half-year tour with Miles Davis. John’s compositions and inimitable guitar work appear on three of Davis’s albums. He's led his own groups for 45 years and continues to tour worldwide.
John began recording as a leader in the late 1970s, establishing himself as an influential and innovative player and composer. A three-time Grammy winner, his more than 40 recordings – many considered jazz classics – include collaborations with Pat Metheny, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Government Mule, and Joe Lovano.