Playing with a dynamic group of musicians that includes Nels Cline, John Medeski, Alan Licht and SY drummer Steve Shelley (as well as others) has Lee Ranaldo focusing on song oriented offerings that are tight yet far from restrictive.
Continuing the Rocktober festivities, this week’s Stormy Monday mix features six classic rock covers from the best and brightest in the world of instrumental music today. Soulive kicks it off
Never let it be said that Medeski Martin and Wood repeat themselves but the trio's Radiolarians Series, in its ingenious concept of writing touring then recording all new material in quick succession, represents a willful effort to avoid the predictable.
Medeski Martin & Woods' Radiolarians II suggests that each of the three musicians are taking turns setting the tone for the respective installment of the series. John Medeski takes precedence here, but not to the detriment of his partners or the music they create together.
Pictures by Chad Anderson of Medeski, Martin & Wood at the Klein Theater, Bridgeport, CT 2/23/08
Medeski, Martin and Wood might seem one of the last viable prospects to share one of Levon Helm’s Rambles at his studio/barn in Woodstock. But it’s the joy of playing, far more than chosen musical style, the former Band drummer shares with these three contemporary jazz wizards.
Mago is not about MMW minus the W, it is a chance for two old friends to try on some different hats, as they provide a tasty treat until the next Medeski, Martin, & Wood album.
Medeski, Scofield, Martin, and Wood, kicked off their night of funked out jazz at Northampton's Calvin Theater, it was obvious to everyone in the house that gimmicks and stage antics weren’t on the agenda. Instead, quality musicianship was the quartet’s goal, and world-class technique was what they came to deliver.
Eight years following A Go Go, Out Louder pairs the groove kings together once again. Melding the sonic style of John Scofield with the groove heavy sound of MMW, these musicians easily found common ground. In fact, they sound as if they have played together for years.
Chris Wood (MMW) teams up with his brother, Oliver, for some fantastic–yet mostly mellow country-folk, gilded with a nice bit of blues to round out the sound.
