The past week has found a certain New York-based discussion group debating the merits of a certain hometown jazz/jam/fusion trio- whether they’re best described by the groove, or the pots and pans. And of course, the truth is MMW definitely know how to groove, but they definitely are just as willing to indulge the urge to jingle jangle bells, tap broken glass and blow on the melodica.
When they’re at their best, they’re absolutely transcendent, next level musicians of the highest caliber. Just check out the side of the stage during a MMW festival set, and you’ll see the wings flooded as every performer in ear shot gather for a glimpse of the masters at play.
Back in January of 1999, the trio played a string of five gigs at The Bowery Ballroom, a sort of celebration of the group that also served as a jumping off point for the next era of their history. The shows are marked by a dozen guest appearances and slew of newer songs, along with 20, often stand alone bouts of pure improv, or as Medeski’s been known to call them, spontaneous compositions, known as Bowery Reserve.
This week’s Stormy Monday comes in two doses of the old Bowery Reserve, the first being culled from the first three nights, when the pots and pans aesthetic seemed to dominate. That being said, here are three of the choicest passages, loaded with organ and killer backbeats, and a nice guest spot by trombonist Joshua Roseman. The second comes entirely from January 16, 1999, three big helpings of absolutely prime playing, each of which follows a similar pattern, but with very different results (Oren Bloedow guests on the final funky cut.) As always, enjoy!
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