Peggy's Blue Skylight from Rush Hour (Blue Note - 1994)

Joe’s next high profile gig that brought him more national and international attention was with guitarist John Scofield’s Quartet, with whom he recorded and toured from 1989 – 1993.

John Scofield: "Joe is very sonically aware - he thinks about the effect different instruments and different personalities will have. He was perfect for what I was doing - his sense of swing and his tone reminded me of the older guys, in a really positive way."

As his reputation escalated, Joe began recording and touring with the major Jazz musicians of the late 20th century, including: Gunther Schuller, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, Bobby Hutcherson, Dave Brubeck, Billy Higgins, Dave Holland, Ed Blackwell, Michel Petrucciani, Lee Konitz, Abbey Lincoln, Tom Harrell, McCoy Tyner, Jim Hall, and Bob Brookmeyer, among many others.

In 1991, Joe Lovano signed with Blue Note Records and since then, has been leading his own groups, producing nearly twenty-five recordings as a leader and becoming one of the great Jazz artists of our time.

Bruce Lundvall, Blue Note Records: ”When I saw Joe Lovano in Peter Erskine's Band in the late 80's, I offered to sign him on the spot. The first time I heard Joe Lovano I felt that he was the most creative and hard swinging tenor player I'd heard in years. Joe has emerged as a giant on his instrument and a full fledged giant of jazz.”