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Medeski, Martin and Wood:
A Retro Phenomenon for the New Millenium
by Mike Brannon
drawing by billy martin
No, they're not a law firm, and though they're not yet a household word either, MMW is a trio of formidable sonic integrity and groove. 'Fronted' by Hammond B-3 organist John Medeski, the trio has been described as everything from "acoustic funk" and "acid jazz" to "Sanford and Sun Ra" (my favorite). The reality is that this equal collaboration between Medeski, acoustic/electric bassist, Chris Wood, and drummer Billy Martin is an evolving organism. One that began as a group of friends having serious fun improvising has now become a jazz poll-winning, polytonal zeitgeist.
MMW now have six recordings out and are individually on dozens more. The latest collaboration with jazz guitarist John Scofield is a bluesy, R&B laden funkfest, digging deep into minimalist vamps and grooves. It's laid back at times, but always simmering, too. Scofield holds back a bit on the burn you know he can do, and you know it's right. MMW backs him with a reactive fervor, and you realize that this inspired match was meant to be. Makes you think--why hasn't someone of this caliber used these guys this way before? But they will--now.
Relying on vintage analog keyboards--Hammonds and Wurlitzers--Medeski defies sounding dated or being typecast because of the way he uses the sounds of these instruments. He'd sooner be lumped with experimental proponents Larry Young or Sun Ra, though elements of more mainstream organ trios such as Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and Don Patterson remain. What these guys do is set up long, evolving grooves with a "this can go anywhere" vibe--grooves that conjure the essence of B-3 bluesicians but don't quit until they hit classic 60's and 70's funk - read: James Brown and Sly Stone.
It's amazing to see how these guys ride the thin line between putting college kids into a dance trance and laying down some seriously dense harmonic action at the same time. The energy and immediacy gets so intense, at times it's hard to believe you're only hearing three performers stretching the tunes to the breaking point. Another aspect is the tunes they choose and those they quote within a given piece--an expressive improvisational device. While in the midst of the first cut on "Friday Afternoon in the Universe," you'll hear Medeski languidly superimpose bits of Charles Mingus' classic, "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," to great effect.
Originally their demo tape, the trio's first recording, "Notes from the Underground," has been re-issued on cd and showcases Medeski's abilities on acoustic piano. John also co-led a cd, "Lunar Crush," with guitarist Dave Fiuczynski pulling off a pretty decent impression of Jeff Beck crossed with John McGlaughlin.
Apparently knowing no bounds regarding potential, this ubiquitously prolific trio has also added their music to various soundtracks, including "Get Shorty" and "The End of Violence."
MMW's appearance on PBS's "Sessions at West 54th" this Fall showcased cuts from their latest offering, "Combustication," another slammin' set of originals augmented with the turntable mixes of DJ Logic, who's on tour with them.
It's good to see those with a vision do what it takes to bring it off and make that vision understood and appreciated by others. Hear this in action: the next time you're in a disc store make sure you leave with either Scofield's "A Go Go," MMW's "Its a Jungle in Here," or "Combustication." You can thank me later.
Net inquiries can be made to www.mmw.net, info@rykodisc.com
