54 is an album of Metropole Orkest conducted by Vince Mendoza featuring jazz guitarist John Scofield, and was released in May 2010.[1]

54
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 2010[1]
Recorded9–13 March 2009[1]
StudioMCO Studio, Hilversum, Nederland[1]
Genrejazz
LabelEmarcy
Metropole Orkest chronology
Crush
(2010)
54
(2010)
Moke + Metropole Orkest
(2010)
John Scofield chronology
Piety Street
(2009)
54
(2010)
A Moment's Peace
(2011)

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
All About Jazz     [2]
The Guardian     [3]

At the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album,[4] and Best Instrumental Arrangement went to Vince Mendoza for arranging "Carlos", the opening track.[5]

John Bungey of The Times wrote: "The Dutch Metropole Orchestra surround Scofield's bluesy riffs with strings and brass and some tracks will be too soft-edged for hardcore jazz types. But Scofield is at his best, fluent, creative and funky, and an epic version of his old tune 'Twang' is a knock-out."[6]

The Guardian's John Fordham commented: "The arrangements could have reflected [Scofield's] bite and pungency a little more, but there's plenty of punch to this set."[3]

In a review for All About Jazz, John Kelman remarked: "Combining Mendoza's stunning arrangements and some of Scofield's best playing in years, 54 is a milestone in both artists' discographies... both artists transcend individual skill to create an hour-long whole that truly exceeds the sum of its many compelling parts."[2]

Track listing

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  1. "Carlos" (John Scofield, arranged by Vince Mendoza) – 9:00
  2. "Jung Parade" (Vince Mendoza) – 7:38
  3. "Polo Towers" (John Scofield, arranged by Vince Mendoza) – 6:53
  4. "Honest I Do" (John Scofield, arranged by Vince Mendoza) – 4:25
  5. "Twang" (John Scofield, arranged by Vince Mendoza) – 9:24
  6. "Imaginary Time" (John Scofield, arranged by Florian Ross) – 6:21
  7. "Peculiar" (John Scofield, arranged by Vince Mendoza) – 7:40
  8. "Say We Did" (Vince Mendoza) – 8:30
  9. "Out Of The City" (John Scofield, arranged by Jim McNeely) – 5:34

Personnel

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  • John Scofield – guitar
  • Metropole Orkest
    • Conductor – Vince Mendoza
    • Trumpet – Erik Veldkamp, Jan Hollander, Jelle Schouten, Ruud Breuls
    • Saxophone, Clarinet – Jos Beeren, Leo Janssen, Marc Scholten, Max Boeree, Paul van der Feen
    • Flute – Janine Abbas, Mariël van den Bos
    • Trombone – Bart van Lier, Jan Bastiani, Jan Oosting
    • French horn – Pieter Hunfeld
    • Bass trombone – Martin van den Berg
    • Oboe – Willem Luijt
    • Piano – Hans Vroomans
    • Guitar – Peter Tiehuis
    • Bass – Aram Kersbergen
    • Drums – Martijn Vink
    • Percussion – Eddy Koopman, Murk Jiskoot
    • Violin [1st Violin] – Alida Schat, Arlia de Ruiter, David Peijnenborgh, Denis Koenders, Erica Korthals Altes, Feyona van Iersel, Pauline Terlouw, Seija Teeuwen
    • Violin [2nd Violin] – Elizabeth Liefkes-Cats, Herman van Haaren, Lucja Domski, Marianne van den Heuvel, Merijn Rombout, Vera van der Bie, Wim Kok
    • Viola – Iris Schut, Isabella Petersen, Julia Jowett, Mieke Honingh, Norman Jansen
    • Cello – Annie Tangberg, Bastiaan van der Werf, Emile Visser, Jascha Albracht
    • Contrabass – Arend Liefkes, Erik Winkelmann, Tjerk de Vos
    • Harp – Joke Schonewille

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "John Scofield / Metropole Orkest / Vince Mendoza 54". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  2. ^ a b Kelman, John (May 28, 2010). "Metropole Orkest / John Scofield / Vince Mendoza: Metropole Orkest / John Scofield / Vince Mendoza: 54". All About Jazz. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Fordham, John (May 21, 2010). "John Scofield/Vince Mendoza: 54". The Guardian. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "Complete List of Nominees for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards". E!. 2010-12-01. Retrieved 2020-02-23.
  5. ^ "2010 Grammy Winners". The GRAMMYs. 2011-02-13. Retrieved 2020-02-23.
  6. ^ Bungey, John (June 26, 2010). "John Scofield, Vince Mendoza: 54". The Times. Retrieved April 30, 2023.